Chorakuji
TEL : 075-561-0589/090-1709-8268Address : 626 Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, KyotoAccess : Keihan Railway Kyoto Line Gion Shijo Station > 20 minutes walk
Introduction to Chorakuji temple
Chorakuji Temple was founded in 805 by Saicho, the founder of the Tendai sect. It later changed to the Jishu sect and remains so to this day.
It is located near Kyoto’s famous sites, Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park. Located at the foot of Higashiyama Mountain, the temple grounds are built along the slope.
Nothing lasts forever
Chorakuji Temple is the temple where Taira Tokushi, the heroine of the Tale of the Heike, spent her time. The Tale of the Heike is one of Japan’s most famous classics.
The story describes the downfall of the once glorious Heike clan. Taira Tokushi became the mother of the emperor, but she fled Kyoto and threw herself into the sea with her son. Later, her son died, but Tokushi was saved and became a nun in Kyoto.
This story is read by many people in Japan as a nothing lasts forever in Buddhism.
Chorakuji Temple is home to the grave of Taira Tokushi (whose Buddhist name was Kenreimonin). It was a small, quiet graveyard and had a lonely feeling to it.
Japanese Garden
The guest hall has a garden. It is said that this was made as a trial before the garden of Ginkakuji Temple was created. It is a beautiful garden with a pond in the center and mountain behind it.
I recommend sitting here and relaxing for a while.
When I climbed up from the main hall, there was a place where I could see the whole city of Kyoto.
Shukubo (temple stay)
The shukubo are located a short walk from the temple grounds.
Nearby attractions
Yasaka-jinja shrine (Kyoto) Praying for beauty and love
