What Happened in Kyoto?
Have you seen the unbelievable news about a drunken visitor causing trouble at a Kyoto temple?
It happened early in the morning on June 24, 2025, at a peaceful and sacred place. A visitor—who had too much to drink—broke into a historic temple and damaged wooden structures that are part of Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Drunk Tourist Kyoto Temple
This strange and upsetting event has people talking all over the world. Drunk Tourist Kyoto Temple
Table of Contents
Where Is the Temple?
The temple is called Shōden Eigenshin-in, located in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto.The incident happened at Shōden Eigenshin-in, a smaller temple within the historic Kennin-ji complex—one of Japan’s oldest Zen temples.
This temple is quiet, beautiful, and full of history. It’s not a common tourist stop, which makes it even more special. Visitors come here to feel calm, pray, or learn about old Japan.
Who Was the Tourist?
Reports confirmed the damage was caused by a tourist from the United States. He was drunk and probably didn’t understand where he was or what he was doing.
After sneaking into the temple grounds, he started climbing on old wooden railings and even broke a wooden door. These are not just any pieces of wood—they are part of a Kyoto prefectural-designated cultural asset!
How Was the Temple Damaged?
Here’s what the police and temple staff shared:
- The man entered around 6:20 a.m.
- He went in through a back entrance near the caretaker’s home.
- He wandered into the garden, then climbed on the railing of the main hall.
- The railing was gouged and damaged.
- He also broke a wooden door near the same area.
These parts of the building are old, delicate, and very important to history. The main hall is protected by cultural heritage laws.
This kind of damage can’t easily be fixed. It’s heartbreaking.
Why Is This Temple Important?
Shōden Eigenshin-in is special because it honors Oda Urakusai, the brother of Oda Nobunaga, a famous leader from Japan’s samurai period.
The main hall and surrounding areas are hundreds of years old. They’re part of what makes Kyoto such a beautiful and historical city.
This isn’t just a temple—it’s a piece of living history.
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How Did People React?
People in Japan and around the world were shocked and upset.
The head priest, Magami Kein-in, heard a knock on his door from the drunk tourist. He immediately called the police. Later, the same man came back and apologized using a translation app, saying it was the “biggest mistake” of his life.
Luckily, the temple chose not to file a formal complaint, but the message was clear—this kind of behavior cannot be allowed.
Even Reddit users were discussing the drunk tourist Kyoto temple story, showing how quickly it spread online.
What Happens Next?
After this incident, the temple and police have become more careful. They are:
- Checking entry points more closely.
- Asking tourists to be more respectful.
- Talking about new rules to protect heritage sites.
Many people are also asking for better tourist education before visiting cultural places in Japan.
For travelers, it’s a wake-up call.
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How Can We Prevent This?
Here are some simple ways we can all help protect Japan’s sacred places:
- Stay sober when visiting religious or cultural sites.
- Learn the rules before you go.
- Treat everything with respect—don’t touch or climb on old buildings.
- Use translation apps if you’re not sure what to do.
- Help other tourists understand the importance of Japanese culture.
Japan is known for its warm hospitality, but respecting its cultural heritage is a shared duty for all visitors.
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FAQs
What temple was damaged in Kyoto?
Located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, Shōden Eigenshin-in is a sub-temple of the prestigious Kennin-ji Zen complex.
Who was the drunk tourist?
He was an American visitor. He later apologized, calling it a big mistake.
What was damaged?
A historic wooden railing and a wooden door near the temple’s main hall were broken.
Will he be punished?
No criminal charges were filed, but the damage to history is serious and has started a big conversation.
Can tourists still visit the temple?
Yes, but temple staff are now more careful about who enters and how visitors behave.
Final Thoughts on Drunk Tourist Kyoto Temple
The story of the drunk tourist Kyoto temple incident is more than just shocking—it’s a lesson for all travelers. When we visit beautiful, sacred places like Kyoto’s temples, we must treat them with care and love. Japan’s culture is rich and welcoming, but it depends on all of us to keep it safe.
Let’s all be thoughtful tourists—and protect the stories written in wood, stone, and spirit across this amazing country.
