Kyoto City? Temples and Shrines List ?
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Kyoto City spot
Gantokuji temple (Kyoto)
This temple was originally founded in Muko City in 679 but was destroyed by fire during wartime; it was subsequently relocated to its current site in 1973. Although it is a small temple, it is known for housing a National Treasure - a statue of Nyoirin Kannon - as its principal image. -
Kyoto City spot
Shojiji temple (Kyoto) : Priest Saigyo’s Cherry Tree
The principal image is a statue of Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha) said to have been created by Saicho, one of Japan's most famous monks. It is famous for the cherry trees planted by the monk Saigyo, who traveled across Japan in the 12th century and composed as many as 2,300 traditional Japanese poems. -
Kyoto City spot
Ooharano shrine (Kyoto) : Worshipped by Murasaki Shikibu
This shrine originated in 784, when the deity of Kasuga Taisha in Nara was enshrined here. It is known for having been a place of worship for Murasaki Shikibu, the author of "The Tale of Genji" - a work that had a profound influence on Japanese literature. -
Kyoto City spot
Shoboji temple (Kyoto) : A rare Thousand-Armed Kannon with three faces
This temple was founded in 754. The main hall enshrines a rare Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva with three faces. The garden features stones arranged to resemble 16 types of animals, such as rabbits, turtles, and owls. For this reason, it is known as the "Rock Garden of Birds and Beasts." -
Kyoto City spot
Konzoji temple (Kyoto) : A hidden gem in western Kyoto
This temple was founded in 718. Although it was devastated during the Onin War (1467-1477), the hall was rebuilt by Keishoin, the mother of the fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tsunayoshi. The area around the stone steps beyond the Nio-mon Gate turns vibrant with autumn colors. -
Kyoto City spot
Sankoji temple (Kyoto) : Beautiful view from the main hall
This temple was founded in 1074 when the priest Gensan built a hermitage, and it was named Sankoji in 1213. The Sanko (a three-pronged vajra) is a ritual implement used in Esoteric Buddhism. From in front of the main hall, there is a magnificent view overlooking the city of Kyoto and mountains such as Mount Hiei. -
Kyoto City spot
Yoshimine-dera temple (Kyoto) : Famous spots for hydrangeas
This temple was founded in 1029. The spacious temple grounds are home to numerous valuable structures, including a Tahoto pagoda designated as an Important Cultural Property. From mid-June to early July, approximately 8,000 hydrangea plants bloom in vibrant colors. -
Kyoto City spot
Jurinji temple (Kyoto) : Ariwara no Narihira, a man of many loves
It originated in 850, when Emperor Montoku enshrined a statue of Jizo Bosatsu (Ksitigarbha) to pray for the safe delivery of Empress Somedono. It is also known as the place where the poet Ariwara no Narihira lived in retirement. For this reason, it is called Narihira-dera. -
Kyoto City spot
Josyokoji temple (Kyoto) : Cherry blossoms and autumn leaves
Founded in 1362, this temple is associated with the Imperial Family and enjoyed the devotion of successive emperors. There are several notable cherry trees that bloom beautifully in the spring. The garden, which incorporates the surrounding mountains into its scenery, is also known as a famous spot for autumn foliage. -
Kyoto City spot
Tsukinowa-dera temple (Kyoto) : Pay attention to the time when visiting
This temple, founded in 704, is located on the mountainside of Mount Atago. The walk from the Kiyotaki bus stop to the temple is a mountain path that takes over 90 minutes. For this reason, visits are only possible between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. It is also closed during rainy weather and the winter season.
