Kegon-ji, "Suzumushi-dera", breeds bell crickets so that they sing all year, not only in autumn, and every visit includes a sermon in the hall where they are singing, with tea and a sweet.
Why it's unique
No other temple doing this was found, though the researcher notes the "only" rests on absence of evidence, so confidence is held down. The crickets sing year-round because the temple breeds them for it, and the sermon is delivered in the hall with them singing.
The sermon itself is the draw: a 30 minute, very funny Kyoto-dialect talk delivered like rakugo. Outside, a Jizō in straw sandals is said to walk to your house to grant one wish, which is why you must tell it your address.
Before you go
The sermon is a 30 minute, very funny Kyoto-dialect talk delivered like rakugo; sessions run about hourly with a capacity limit, so on busy days you queue for the next one.
Outside the gate the Kōfuku Jizō wears straw sandals because it is said to walk to your house to grant one wish, so you must say your name and address clearly when you ask, buy the yellow amulet, and return it when the wish comes true. If you move, the temple says to write with your new address.
¥500 adults, tea and sweet included; 9:00 to 17:00, last entry 16:30; no regular closing day; 80 steps up from the road. Three minutes' walk from Saihō-ji.
