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Jingoji Temple in Takao by 663highland (GNU Free)

 

About

Up in the mountains about an hour North East of Kyoto is a small region called Takao. The area is especially popular with Japanese people during the fall for the autumn leaf season. There is a small village, hotels and temples to see here. The temples are generally free to enter the complex grounds but there may be a small charge (300-700 yen) to enter some buildings or areas.

Notable Temples in Takao

Kozan-Ji Temple: A Buddhist temple of the Omura sect, is also in Takao. Kozan-Ji was founded by monk Myoue around 1200 and is a UNESCO Worlds Heritage site. Kozan-Ji also is known for paintings called the "Choujuu Jinbutsu Giga" ("Animal-person Caricatures" or also referred to as "Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans"), Japans first Manga ("Manga" in Japan is "Comic" in English) drawn in the mid-12th and 13th centuries. These paintings however are usually not at the temple but rather in the care of the Kyoto National Museum and or the Tokyo National Museum. The temple itself and the surrounding smaller structures are definitely worth a visit though.

Jingo-Ji Temple: A Buddhist temple on Takao Mountain. It was established in 824. Jingo-Ji temple is the most popular temple in Takao but be prepared for a long walk up some stairs to reach it. There is a very nice observation point from the top which looks over the entire valley. You can purchase a clay disk with an inscription which you toss off the observation area into the valley for good luck.

Saimyo-Ji Temple: A smaller temple most well known for the bridge, Shigetsukyo Bridge, which crosses a river to the temple entrance.

Places to stay in Takao:

Japanese Inn Kinsuitei, Japanese Inn Momijiya, Japanese Inn Takao Kanko Hotel

 

Access

Closest Train Station: Utano

from Kyoto Station: Leave Kyoto station every 20-30 min. and takes about an hour to get to the Takao area. Get off at "Yamashiro-Takao". Consult with the clerk at your hotel or at the information desk in Kyoto station.
from Shijo Karasuma: A JR Bus Departs every 30-60 min. and takes about an hour. Get off at "Takao".

Google Map

 

Hotels & Lodging

View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Takao.

 

Hours & Fees

Hours: This is a Area, therefore each establishment has it's own hours but generally shops in Japan generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. while restaurants are generally open until 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m.

Cost: Each establishment's cost is different.

Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by contacting the attraction before visiting.