Suzumushi-dera, or Kegonji as it is officially named, is a temple nestled into the woods south of Arashiyama in western Kyoto. While I’m sure many would have heard of Arashiyama before, I doubt many people would be familiar with this temple. The temple receives its moniker Suzumushi-dera for the populations of bell crickets it breeds and raises all year round for their popular chirping.

For the casual: 10. For the educated: 2.

So let’s start with some basics. This is not a temple founded by a special person, for a special reason, or home to special artifacts. If that’s what you’re looking for then you want the other temple just up the road which can only be visited after making a reservation via postcard. This temple is really great for casual visitors because it doesn’t require any extra information to thoroughly enjoy.

Founded in the 18th century, Kegonji was a humble local temple in western Kyoto, but a few decades ago the chief grounds keeper, a fan of the sounds of crickets, would rest after a long day of work by enjoying the warm summer nights and listening to them chirping. Believing that crickets embodied many of the ideals of buddhist principles, he began raising a population of crickets in the temple. After years of breeding and research, the temple is home to several thousand bell crickets, suzumushi in Japanese, that chirp throughout the year instead of their typical brief presence in autumn. Visitors to the temple are welcomed indoors in groups every hour to enjoy tea and a 30 minute sermon led by one of the monks who explains not only the crickets chirping away in their boxes at the front of the room, but also how the guests can incorporate more mindfulness in their every day lives. When it’s over, the guests leave through the garden. Be sure to say a prayer at the Jizo statue out front. This statue is unique because he is wearing sandals, a small detail that implies that Jizo will personally deliver your prayer to you.