Daikakuji Temple, in the Arashiyama area, is the head temple of Shingon Buddhism and has held a connection to imperial families throughout the ages. The temple's formal name is Kyuusagagosho Daikakujimonzeki, and is also famous as a site for pilgrims who come to make hand-copies of the Heart Sutra.
About Daikakuji Temple
Daikakuji Temple traces its origins back to 876 (18th year of the Jogan era), when it was renovated from an imperial villa to a temple by Emperor Saga's daughter, Princess Masako. Because the temple was located in an area of cloistered rule of the late Emperor Saga and late Emperor Uda toward the end of the Kamakura era, it is also referred to as Saga Gosho, or Saga imperial palace.
The temple grounds of Daikakuji consist of Shinden-zukuri style architectural structures, such as Shinden with art depicting the peonies and red and white plum blossoms of Mt. Kano, the Shoin-zukuri architectural style which utilizes 12 rooms in Seishinden, the main hall, Godaido, enshrining the Five Radiant Lords, and Osawa Pond, which is around one kilometre in area.
Osawa Pond is one of Japan's oldest man made ponds and is said to reflect the outlines of Dongting Lake in China. The pond is surrounded by Japanese plum trees and bamboo trees, which makes it a great place to take a stroll, particularly in autumn when the leaves change their colour.
What to See and Do
The temple has plenty to see and do in every season. From late September, the annual moon-viewing festival is held. Admission begins from 5 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. Admission tickets are 500 yen each. The festival traces its history for moon-viewing back to when Emperor Saga would take his imperial boats out on Osawa Pond with members of the aristocracy and other culturally significant people to view the moon during Tsukimi, or the moon-viewing holiday.
From early November to early December, the Daikakuji Osawa Pond light display—Shinku no Mizukagami—is another sight you won't want to miss. Admission begins from 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Admission tickets are 500 yen each. Visitors will be entranced as the area around Osawa Pond is enveloped in a mysterious glow while colourful leaves surrounding the pond and Shingyo-Hoto Tower are reflected in the pond's clear waters.
Visitors can also experience the Buddhist traditions the temple has to offer by hand-copying the Heart Sutra that was originally hand-copied by Emperor Saga to pray for peace and prosperity at the behest of Kukai, a monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. The experience takes between 40 and 60 minutes and costs 1,000 yen. Foreign visitors or children who may find writing Kanji difficult can also participate in the Terakoya hand-copying activity provided by the temple. The experience takes between 15 and 30 minutes and costs 800 yen.
Daikakuji Meika - Kyuyokiku is a traditional Japanese sweet sold by the temple that packages sweet bean filling and its wrapping separately, making it a fun souvenir for those who like DIY activities. The 24-wrapper package makes 12 assembled sweets and costs 2,275 yen. Daikakuji Meika - Fusuma Senbei also make for great gifts. The 10 rice cracker package costs 972 yen.
Hours, Access and Admission
Visitation hours for the temple are from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m. (admissions booth closes at 4:30 p.m.) and the admission fee is 500 yen. The temple is a 20-min walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station, a 35-min walk from Arashiyama Station, and a 25-min walk from Randen-Saga Station.
How to go from Ryoanji to Daikakuji Temple
From Ryoanji-mae bus stop, take Kyoto city bus 59 toward Utano/Yamagoe and, after about 12 minutes, get off at Yamakochinakacho bus stop. After that, change to bus 11 for Shijo Kawamachi/Sanjo Keihan and, after 7 minutes, you'll arrive at Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, walk for about 20 minutes and you will reach Daikakuji Temple. If you're returning to Kyoto Station, ride the Sagano Line toward Kyoto from Saga-Arashiyama Station and you will reach Kyoto Station in about 16 minutes.
Spot Information
- Spot name: Daikakuji Temple
- Address: 4 Sagaosawacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8411
- Access: A 20-min walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station, a 35-min walk from Arashiyama Station, or a 25-min walk from Randen-Saga Station
Comments