On the south west mountains of central Kyoto stands the Yoshimine-dera Temple, which is a temple of the Tendai Sect, Japanese Buddhism. In Kyoto, Yoshimine-dera is built along the mountain side which looks out onto the city. The temple was built on spacious ground and there are many buildings distributed up the mountain side.
About Yoshimine-dera Temple
Yoshiminedera Temple was founded in its remote location as a retreat from busy city life by the scholar priest Gensan, who is a disciple of Eshin in 1029. He previously studied at Enryakuji on Mount Hiei before moving to Yoshiminedera.
It is said that Gensan is the sculptor of an eleven-headed statue of Kannon at the temple. Soon after its establishment, Yoshiminedera was favored by imperial rank by Emperor Go – Ichijo in 1034.
In 1042, Emperor Go – Suzaku gave the temple a thousand-armed Kannon which then become the face of the temple. Favored among imperial patronage, Yoshiminedera continued to expand with many of the hillside in a similar style to Kiyomizudera.
Kyo-do (Sutra) Hall and Kannon-do Hall
The Kyo-do hall was built in 1705. The hexagonal building is the Kyo-do (Sutra) Hall, there is the weeping cherry tree which is more than 300 years old is how you are going to spot the hall. The Kannon-do hall is the Main hall of the temple which was built in 1692.
Access to Yoshimine-dera Temple
Take the JR Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station to Mukomachi Station which takes 7 minutes and costs 180yen or take the Hankyu Kyoto Line from central Kyoto to Higashimuko Station which takes 20 minutes and costs 220yen. From either station, the temple can be reached by Hankyu Bus number 66 in 30 minutes and for 350yen one way, there will be one bus per hour.
Spot Information
- Name: Yoshimine-dera Temple
- Address: 1372 Oharano Oshiocho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 610-1133
- Access: Take Bus number 66 from Kyoto Station
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