Daikaku-Ji
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Attractions > Kyoto > Shrines Temples > Kyoto West
About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees
Daikaku Ji Kyoto Japan by ignis (GNU Free) on SnapJapan.com
About
Daikaku-Ji is one of the oldest Japanese Buddhist temples Kyoto. It is a Shingon Buddhist temple in the northwest area of Kyoto. The temple was Emperor Saga’s Imperial Villa established on this site in the early Heian period, 814. Emperor Saga, whose father was Emperor Kanmu who transferred the capital to Heiankyo, virtually accomplished the Heiankyo capital and established the basis of the Heian culture because of his great interest in culture and the arts. This is a monzeki temple meaning that the head priests were from the imperial family. Successive emperors and persons of imperial linage assumed the position of chief priest, and the first among them was Prince Gojaku, the grandson of Emperor Saga. After the death of Emperor Saga, his daughter Pricess Masako converted the villa into the Buddhist temple complex it is today.
Daikaku-Ji has played a role in many of Japan's historical events such as peace talks among warring clans, featured in the Tale of Genji (the first novel in Japanese literature) and a succession of emperors took up residence and retired here after their reign. Daikaku-Ji has many structures within the complex but one of it's most important treasures is the "Heart Sutra" (Hannya Shingyo). It is said that there was a serious epidemic and that Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, suggested to Emperor Saga that he personally copy an important Buddhist document called the "Heart Sutra". Well, he did and it is said that the epidemic ended! This Sutra is kept at the temple and is displayed to the public once every sixty years... the next time being in 2018 and then 2078.
Access
Closest Train Station: Sagaarashiyama
4 Sagaosawacho
Kyoto, Kyoto 616-8411 Japan
Tel: 075-871-0071
5-9-minute taxi/car ride or 15 minutes walk from the Sagaarashiyama Station. You can also take a bus #91 from Sagaarashiyama for 5min. (2-3 buses per hour).
Hotels & Lodging
Recommended
View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Daikaku-Ji.
Hours & Fees
Hours: The grounds of Shrines and Temples are generally open 27/7, 365 days a year but, many set their own hours. If hours are set, they are generally open from 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. in the morning and close around 4:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. in the evening.
Cost: The general grounds of Shrines and Temples are free but may charge a small fee (a couple/few hundred yen) for special gardens, exhibitions, artifact viewing, etc.
Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.
Resources
Website: Daikaku-Ji Homepage
