Jinkoin
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Address :120 Nishigamo Jinkoincho, Kita Ward, Kyoto Access :JR Kyoto Station > (city bus) > Jinkoinmae bus stop > 3 minutes walk Parking :There is a parking lot |
Introduction to Jinkoin temple
This is the place where Kobo Daishi (774-835), the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, trained when he was 42 years old. Later, in 1217, the temple was founded. It was temporarily abandoned but was rebuilt in 1914.
The principal image, a statue of Kobo Daishi, is said to be a carving of Kobo Daishi’s own image. This statue is known for its power to ward off evil.
This temple is one of the three Kobo temples in Kyoto. The remaining two are Toji Temple and Ninnaji Temple. Since both are very large temples, it seems strange that Jinkoin is included. But that just goes to show how deeply connected this temple is to Kobo Daishi.
Within the temple grounds is a building where the poet and ceramic artist Otagaki Rengetsu lived in seclusion.
Every year on July 21st and the Day of the Ox during the summer, prayers are offered to ward off illness and pray for good health using cucumbers.
