Kyoto Things to Do

Legend tells us that the Prince of Sagely Virtue, Prince Shotoku [547-622] established Hokan-ji in the 7th century. Modeled on Osaka's Shitennoji, the design was typical of the Asuka period, incorporating the axial plan of the... more

If you have ever wanted to take a step back into the past and experience the tranquil and simple lifestyle of a Kyoto holy-man, here's your opportunity. Located in the historic Kamigamo area near to Kamigamo Shrine, the clay-wa... more

Known for its camellias, Anraku-ji was established ca. 1211-1212, soon after Honen's return from banishment in Tosa, to honor two of his disciples, the martyred priests, Anraku and Juren. Rebuilt in 1581 the Jodo-sect Hondo is... more

Although a bit remote, a visit to this temple is worth the effort. Irregular worn stone steps are the approach to a rustic gate known for its statues of two Nio temple guardians. A former palace guard who subsequently became a... more

The story of this temple is that a priest named Chonen swore that he would found a temple to promote Buddhism. This he accomplished in 986 following a stay in China--having returned to Japan with a precious Buddha shaka in tow.... more

Jikkoin is noted for its rustic entry gate featuring wooden tiles on the roof. The often skipped-over temple has imperial tombs which are the final resting place of two exiled emperors: Juntoku who died in 1242 and was No. 84 (... more

Famous for its moss garden which was the forerunner of the more accessible one at Ginkakuji. Established by Prince Shotoku, although its early history is not clear, it is known that Kokushi Muso was ordered to live here when he... more

This temple is dedicated to a famous female poet, Izumi Shikibu. Although she is also associated with the Tohoku-in (play in the Noh repertoire by the same name), this is the temple which pays homage to her. She was born in 976... more

Established in 781 as a Shingon temple, it was inaccessible for hundreds of years because of the mountainous terrain, not to mention the also difficult to maneuver roads and bridges. Evocative of the Heian era, sculpture is rep... more

Kokedera ("Moss Temple") features four and a half acres of garden with 22 types of moss under dark trees. The garden was conceived to aid contemplation, an earthly rendition of paradise surrounding Buddha, and it is best seen i... more