Konpukuji
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Address :20 Ichijoji Saikatacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto Access :JR Kyoto Station > (city bus number 5) > Ichijōjisagarimatsuchō bus stop > 5 minutes walk |
The sacred site of haiku (Japanese poem)
Konpukuji Temple was founded in 864 according to the wishes of Ennin, the third head priest of the Tendai sect. Later, the temple converted to the Rinzai school (Zen Buddhism), and it remains so to this day.
This temple is known for being a place where Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), one of Japan’s most famous haiku poets, stayed. It later fell into disrepair, but was revived by Yosa Buson (1716-1784), a haiku poet and painter.
Within the temple grounds stands the Basho-an hermitage, where Basho once stayed and which was later restored by Buson.
If you go up the slope, you will find the graves of Yosa Buson and his disciple, Emori Gekkyo.
A painting by Yosa Buson depicting scenes from Matsuo Basho’s travels is on display. This is a replica; the original is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Other highlights
With few tourists and a quiet environment, you can enjoy the dry landscape garden at your leisure.
