Jojakkoji Temple Arashiyama
Jojakkoji Temple, in Arashiyama, western Kyoto is a Nichiren sect temple dating from the late 16th century. It is known for its tranquility and autumn leaves.
Jojakkoji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto 常寂光寺
Pagoda at Jojakkoji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto
Jojakkoji Temple, the pretty "temple with no walls," is on the slopes of Mt. Ogura in Arashiyama in Kyoto. This Nichiren sect temple dates from the late-16th/early 17th century.
The serenity, feeling of remoteness, over 200 maple trees and mossy grounds make for a special, untouched atmosphere.
Its few but charming structures include a thatched roof gate house and an impressive 12 meter-tall pagoda.
The sloping grounds include several spots with very good views of the surrounding Arashiyama/Sagano/Mt. Ogura area.
The entrance to Jojakkoji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto
Rear view of the thatched Niomon Gate (仁王門), Jojakkoji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto
History
The temple was founded in 1596 at the end of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period of Japanese history. The founder was a monk called Nisshin (1561-1617), the head priest of Honkoku-ji Temple. He founded the temple as a retreat for his retirement.
Enter the temple through the thatched Niomon Gate (see above). The guardians here are believed to be the work of the master sculptor, Unkei. The gate is the oldest building in the temple.
The main hall (Honden) maintains an image of Myoken. Myoken is a Bodhisattva and deification of the North Star. It is an image of particular importance in Nichiren Buddhism. The main hall was the former guest hall of Momoyama Castle and was moved here during the early Edo Period.
The pagoda dates from 1620 and is classified as an Important Cultural Property.
The temple grounds also contain the Kadokura Historical Museum. This exhibits personal effects and historical documents of the Kadokura family. The Kadokura were rich, local merchants who patronized the temple.
The grounds are beautifully maintained.
The temple rarely gets very busy except during the autumn maple-viewing season in Kyoto.
Bell Tower (鐘楼) seen through the trees and moss at Jojakkoji Temple
Jojakkoji Access - how to get to Jojakkoji Temple
Jojakkoji
3 Sagaogurayama Oguracho
Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8397
Tel: 075 861 0435
Open 9 am to 5 pm.
Entry 400 yen.
From JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, which can be reached from Kyoto Station in about 20 minutes, the temple is a 15-minute walk through the Bamboo Street.
Also from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Line, allow 20 minutes. From Hankyu Arashiyama Station, it takes around 25 minutes to walk to the temple.
Kyoto buses #11, #91 and #93 stop outside JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.
12 meter tall, two story pagoda (多宝塔) at Jojakkoji Temple
Nearby
The temple is within reasonable walking distance of Nison-in Temple, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, Otagi Nembutsuji Temple and Tenryuji Temple.
Arashiyama Map
