Suzumushidera Temple 妙徳山 華厳寺（鈴虫寺）

Founded in 1723, Myotokuzan-Kegonji Temple, better known by its nickname Suzumushidera Temple, is renowned for the natural ambient music created by its resident bell crickets.

The temple is best reached by bus and then on foot.

Take the 28 bus from Kyoto Station to the Matsuo Taisha Bus Stop. It is a 15-minute walk to the temple from there.

Over thirty years ago, a priest named Shoen Katsura became enamored with the sound of crickets, believing that the insects exemplify Buddhist values. He brought some to the temple and eventually trained his insect friends to sing throughout the year.

Male crickets sing for only about twenty days in autumn, in a sound much like running a finger along a comb. To the Japanese, the sound is like a tiny bell, hence the name bell cricket.

During your visit, you'll receive a cup of green tea and a 30-minute sermon by the resident priest, made through a microphone because otherwise his words would be lost to the insects' hearty singing. These are mating calls, by the way.

The Kofuku Jizo (Jizo of Happiness) here is famous for granting supplicants one wish. Since he reportedly visits those who come to Suzumushidera, be sure to tell him your address.