Kyoto: The Four Most Popular Shrines and Temples for Travel in Kyoto, Japan! Sightseeing and history

Kyoto is known for ____.

Sightseeing spots, experiences, food, etc... I'm sure many things come to mind, but don't you want to keep the shrines and temples that you can't miss out on?
This time, we will introduce you to some of the most popular temples and shrines that are visited by many tourists from overseas, but you may not know what they are like after your first school excursion.... But you may not have known what to expect on your school excursion...!

Please check it out to the end before your trip to Kyoto and use it as a reference for your shrine and temple tour.

Table of Contents

■Shimizu Temple

■shrine honouring war dead

■Nanzenji Temple

■Hyodoin

■ Summary

■Shimizu Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple boasts a history of approximately 1,200 years and attracts tourists from all over the world.
Every Japanese person has heard the phrase "jumping off the Kiyomizu stage," which is derived from the temple's main hall, at least once in his or her life. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is also the place where the Kanji character for the year is announced every December, and it is hard to find a person who does not know it.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is not only home to the main hall, but also to many other power spots, including the three-story pagoda, a national treasure, Otowa Falls, said to be beneficial for love fulfillment, and a tour of the temple's womb, where visitors can walk around the temple with prayer beads.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple was built about 1,200 years ago in the 9th year of the Hogei Era (9th year of the Hogei Era) by the priest Enchin Shonin.

Enchin Shonin was a monk practicing asceticism in Nara, and in a dream he was told by the Buddha to go to the north in search of a clear spring.
Following this oracle, Enchin Shonin walked north.

He then reached a clear waterfall on Mount Otowa, which is now Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where he met Sakagami Tamuramaro, who was hunting deer.
Impressed by his lecture on the sin of killing, Tamuramaro Sakagami erected a hall near Otowa.
This was the beginning of Kiyomizu Temple.

And the clear spring that Enchin Shonin found became known as "Otowa-no-taki" (Otowa Falls) and is still gushing out today.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple also started out with a small site, but was given a plot of land by the Imperial Court and expanded its size.
Then, in 810, it was officially recognized by Emperor Saga and further developed.

In 1467, the town and Kiyomizu Temple were damaged by the Onin War and almost completely burned down.
A monk named Gan'ami used his personal connections to rebuild this structure, which took several decades to complete.
The main hall and other buildings were lost a total of nine times in wars, including the Onin War.

In 1629 during the Edo period, there was a big fire and Kiyomizu-dera Temple had no money for reconstruction, but it was rebuilt in its present form in 1633 with a donation from the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu.

And in 1994, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as "Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto.

■Sights of Kiyomizu Temple

There are many things to see and do at Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Here, we would like to introduce in detail the national treasures and important cultural properties that you must see when you visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Fat main hall

The main hall features a traditional "kake-zukuri" wooden structure, an ancient Japanese traditional construction method.
The wood is built without using any nails, and the pillars are lattice-worked with nuki, each supported by the other to ensure high durability.
Also supporting the stage are 139 zelkova trees.
These pillars are more than 400 years old.

It is also famous as the stage of Kiyomizu, and the height of the stage is 13 meters.
It is here, in the main hall, that the Kanji characters of the year are announced every December.

The main hall is built to jut out into the slope, and the view from the stage that rises out of the cliff is breathtaking.
In the main hall, there is a statue of "Eleven-faced Thousand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva," which is the principal image of the temple, and although it is a secret statue, please pay attention to the front standing Buddha, which was made in imitation of the statue.

Fatty Three-Storied Pagoda

The three-story pagoda is one of the tallest in Japan.
The present three-story pagoda was rebuilt in 1632, and its vermilion color with all-tan coating is absolutely beautiful and stands 31 meters high.
It is the symbol of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and is also an important cultural asset.

Please see the statues of the eight Shingon patriarchs and other statues on the walls on all four sides.

Other highlights include a demon's face on the three corners of the onigawara and a dragon on the southeast corner.

Fat Otowa Falls

Otowa Falls" consists of three waterfalls.
The historic Otowa Falls, which is also the origin of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, is a style of drawing fresh water with a ladle.
Each has its own meaning,
Love fulfillment
Academic Success
Extended life and longevity
It is said that the blessings of the

Since only one blessing is granted in a single visit to the shrine, suppress your greed and drink only one wish for fulfillment.
It is said that if you drink repeatedly or greedily drink water from different waterfalls, you will lose the blessing, so please be sure to choose only one cup of water.

Fat Niomon Gate

The first thing that can be seen in Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is the main gate, Niomon.
Niomon gate is also called "blindfold gate.

It was destroyed during the Onin War in 1467, but was rebuilt and further dismantled and repaired in 2003.
It is a beautiful vermilion color, with statues of Kongorikishi standing proudly at both ends.

Both of the Kiyomizu-dera Komainu are characterized by an open-mouthed "a-gata" shape, and were created in 1944 based on the motif of the komainu at Todai-ji Temple.

Fat Inner Sanctuary

Okuno-in (inner sanctuary), also designated as an important cultural asset.
Located behind the main hall, it is said to be the remains of the hermitage where Enchin Shonin practiced asceticism.

There is a "Fureai Kannon" (Goddess of Mercy) that you can touch and worship here, so please visit the temple in person.

Facility Name:Kiyomizu Temple
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: 25-minute walk from Kiyomizu-Dera Gojo Station on Keihan Railway; 10-minute walk from Gojozaka stop on City Bus No. 206 bound for Higashiyama-dori Kitaoji Bus Terminal from JR Kyoto Station.

HP:https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/

■shrine honouring war dead

Gokin Shrine is located in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, and was founded in 1883 by Shokichi Tanaka, a member of the Konkokyo sect.

Its appearance and name are often associated with money, and the golden torii gate that greets you is absolutely gorgeous.
Incidentally, the "gold" in Gokin Shrine means metal.

This place is famous as a shrine for money.
I want to be rich.
. I can't save money and I want to stop my wasteful spending habits.
I'd like to win the lottery.
I want to make a lot of money in horse racing and boat racing.
I want to be successful in asset management.
Many visitors with hopes such as "I will be able to see the ginkgo tree" visit the shrine and dedicate a golden ginkgo-shaped ema (votive votive tablet).

Shrines are often thought of as being located in mysterious places, such as quiet areas or deep in the mountains. However, Mikane Shrine suddenly appears in a place lined with condominiums, and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The main deity is Kanayamahiko Kami, the only deity in Japan said to bestow blessings on metals.
Since money and other currency are also made of metal, the temple has become popular as a power spot to increase one's financial fortune, and celebrities also visit the temple in secret. It is also open 24 hours a day, so a visit at night is also recommended.

■Migane Shrine Highlights

Gokin Shrine has many attractions, which are summarized below.

○Temizusha of Mikane Shrine

There is a ladle in the tezumisha for purifying body and soul.
However, a colander is also placed at Mikane Shrine.
These colanders are used to purify money such as one-yen coins and 500-yen coins.

It is said that money is attached to the greed of those who have held it in their hands up to that point, and it is recommended to purify it in order to improve one's financial fortune.

Ginkgo biloba tree

Behind the main shrine of Mikane Shrine is a large ginkgo tree, the sacred tree.
The ginkgo tree is 22 meters tall and is said to be about 200 years old.
Depending on the season, you can see golden ginkgo trees, which are a must-see.

○Emae

The ema of Gokin Shrine is a golden ginkgo shape. The character for "gold" is written in red in the center.
Here, people who wish for good luck in money dedicate ema (votive tablet), and the ginkgo-shaped ema reflect the sunlight and appear to sparkle.

○Attachment

Gokin Shrine is also attractive for its good luck charms.
The shrine office is also particularly impressive, with amulets and other items arranged upside down.
These are meant to keep money out of your wallet.
The amulets are,
FUKUWA PURSE
Otakara koban
Golden Fortune Ginko Protection
Money Luck Gingaan Protection
Money Luck
Treasure protection
Money Management
protection against all sorts of things
Dream pillow
and others.
The pink and yellow amulets and amulets with a ginkgo motif, which is the sacred tree of the shrine, are very cute.

○Fuku Wallet

Particularly popular at Mikane Shrine is the "lucky wallet.
These are blessed purses that have already been prayed for and are so popular that they are sometimes sold out every day.
The golden wallet is a lucky charm and will bring you good luck.
The effect of this lucky wallet is for one year, so please return it to Gokin Shrine with gratitude after the period has expired.

Facility Name:shrine honouring war dead
Address: 614 Oshinishinotoin-cho, Oike-agaru, Doin-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: about 5 minutes walk from "Karasuma-Oike Station" of Subway Karasuma Line

HP:https://mikane-jinja.or.jp/

■Nanzenji Temple

Nanzenji Temple was founded in 1291 by Hōhō Kameyama, the founder of the Nanzenji School of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, the most prestigious of all Zen temples in Japan, with Zen master Mukan Fumon as its founder. Located in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, the temple has a history of more than 700 years since its foundation.

It was the first imperial Zen temple in Japan,
Tenryuji Temple
Kenninji Temple
Tofukuji Temple
Manjusri Temple
Shokokuji Temple
It is considered more prestigious than the Kyoto Gozan (five mountains) of Kyoto.

Ishikawa Goemon, who saw the view of cherry blossoms in full bloom from the Sanmon Gate, an important cultural property, left the following words: "Is it a superb view?
Thus, Nanzenji Temple has many attractions such as the Sanmon Gate, the sliding door painting "Tiger of the Water Swallowing" by Kano Tanyu, and the garden.

Nanzenji Temple was founded in 1291 by Hōhō Kameyama, who invited Zen master Mukan Fumon as its founder.
This story dates back more than 700 years from now.

Hōhō Kameyama was born in 1249 as the son of Emperor Gosaga and became the 90th Hōhō Kameyama at the age of 10.
However, the situation in East Asia was not good and he encountered difficulties with the Mongolian invasion.
He accepted the precepts of Seiichi Kokushi, to whom his father, Emperor Gosaga, had been a devotee, and he dealt with many difficulties with an unshakable heart.

Then, in 1289, he was ordained and became Pope.
At that time, yokai transformations appeared nightly in the Zenrin-ji Temple, causing trouble for Hōhō Kameyama and the officials, but when Mukan Fumon entered the Zenrin-ji Temple with his disciples to practice asceticism, the yokai quickly dispersed.

It is said that the Pope praised this virtue and made his detached palace into a Zen temple, which is the origin of Nanzenji Temple.

■Nanzenji Temple Highlights

The entire precincts of Nanzenji Temple are designated as a national historic site.
The Sanmon Gate, the symbol of Nanzenji Temple and designated as an important cultural property, the Suijokaku, a popular spot featured in the anime "K-ON! and the Hojo Garden, which is designated as a national place of scenic beauty.

Here we would like to introduce some of the highlights of Nanzenji Temple.

Three gates

Sanmon," also known as the Dragon Gate of Heaven.
It was donated by Takatora Todo in 1628 as a memorial to the warriors who fought in the Osaka Summer Battle.
It is 22 meters high, and you will be able to see the changing seasons in Kyoto, from green maples in summer to autumn leaves in fall.

○Suirokaku

Suijikaku is also a popular photo spot in Nanzen-in Temple.
It is made of red bricks and has an irresistible retro atmosphere.
The name comes from its appearance reminiscent of a Roman aqueduct, and the red brick arches are beautiful, matching the surrounding nature.
The Nanzenji Water Pavilion, built in the first year of Bun'ei Era, is also popular as a sacred pilgrimage spot among anime lovers around the world.

○Nanzenin

Walk through the red brick archway and you will find Nanzen-in Temple.
This is the birthplace of Nanzenji Temple, a detached palace donated by Hōhō Kameyama when he was ordained in 1289.
Surrounded by deep forests, the garden, with its "kaiyu-shiki" style of ponds and springs in the style of the Kamakura period (1185-1333), is so magnificent that you will want to spend all day admiring it.

circle of acquaintance

The Hojo, a national treasure, consists of the Daihojo and the Kohojo connected behind it. The Daihojo is one of the most beautiful styles of Japanese architecture, and you will be impressed by its atmosphere as you walk around. The karesansui (dry landscape) garden, representative of the early Edo period, is also not to be missed.
The kobojō is also famous for the 40 paintings of "Guntōzu" (group of tigers) by Kano Tanyū inside.

○Tenjuan

The temple was built as a pagoda dedicated to Zen Master Mukan Zenmon, and is one of the most venerable temples in the mountain.
It was destroyed by fire in 1447, but was rebuilt by Yusai.
In 2013, it was the setting for the "Let's go to Kyoto! campaign in 2013.

Facility Name:Nanzenji Temple
Address: Nanzenji Fukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: about 10 minutes on foot from "Keage" station on the municipal subway Tozai line

HP:https://www.nanzenji.or.jp/

■Hyodoin

The magnificent building depicted on the surface of the "10-yen coin" that we usually use is the Byodoin Phoenix Hall.

Byodoin is located in Uji City, famous for its Uji green tea, and is registered as a World Heritage Site as a "Cultural Property of Ancient Kyoto.

The magnificent temple, built to recreate the Pure Land of Paradise in this world, remains in beautiful form today.

It was opened in 1052 by Fujiwara no Yorimichi, regent of the Heian period (794-1185), in an attempt to create the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss in this world, and the Phoenix Hall was built the following year.
Originally, the regent Fujiwara no Michinaga died in 1027 (Manju 4), and his eldest son Fujiwara no Yorimichi rebuilt Uji-den as a temple.

Since that time, this area has been a scenic spot overlooking the Uji River and has been famous as a vacation home for aristocrats since the Heian period (794-1192).

There, he built a Buddhist temple in a villa he had inherited from his father, and in 1053, the Phoenix Hall was built.

At this time, the Latter Day of the Law philosophy was spreading in Japan.
This is the idea that 2,000 years after the Buddha's death, the Buddha Dharma would become obsolete and the world would become desolate,
The year 1052 was the first year of the Latter Day of the Law.
...that starvation, natural disasters, and epidemics were prevalent.
Many people thought it was the end of the world because of such factors as

They wanted to be saved in the next life, and temples were built in an attempt to reproduce the paradise they aspired to as an ideal.

In other words, this is the world of Paradise created by Fujiwara no Yorimichi, and many people must have found it a spiritual home.
In 1994, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, "Culture of Ancient Kyoto.

The origin of the name "Byodoin" means that all are equal in being saved by the Buddha.
Fujiwara no Yorimichi built the temple not only for the nobility but also to save many people, and it has been a familiar hall since the Heian period.

It was probably believed that everyone could go to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss if they chanted the Nembutsu while thinking of the Pure Land of Bliss where Amida Nyorai is believed to reside.

■Highlight of Byodoin

Here are some highlights of Byodo-in Temple. We hope you will take a look here for your sightseeing.

○Houou-do

Byodoin Phoenix Hall was built in 1053 and was called Amida Hall in the Heian period (794-1185).
The name "Phoenix Hall" was coined during the Edo period (1603-1867) because it looks like a bird with its wings spread when viewed from the front and because a phoenix is placed on the roof.
The phoenix on the roof is a replica, but you can see the real one at the Byodoin Museum Hoshokan.
The phoenix is also depicted on the reverse side of the 10,000-yen bill, so it should be familiar to you.
On clear days, the palace is reflected in the pond, creating a fantastic atmosphere, like a true paradise.
The Phoenix Hall, the seated statue of Amida Nyorai, the phoenixes, the canopy, and the murals are national treasures, so they are a must-see.

○Kannon Hall

The Kannon Hall was reconstructed in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) on the site where the main hall originally stood, and the inside is closed to the public.
The main statue of the eleven Kannon statues enshrined inside is on display in the Byodoin Museum Hoshokan.

○Jodo style garden

The Pure Land style garden was designated as a national historic site and place of scenic beauty in 1992.
It is said that the garden with the Phoenix Hall and a pond was created to observe Amida Nyorai.
When the doors of the Phoenix Hall were opened in the morning, the light of the morning sun reflected off the water in the pond and further reflected off the ceiling mirror, making the Amida Nyorai shine beautifully.

bedridden plant

Ouginoshiba is said to be the place where Minamoto no Yorimasa, who was 77 years old, committed suicide in the Battle of Uji Byodoin on May 26, 1180.
He raised an army to avenge the Heike clan, but was attacked by a large army of Taira no Tomomori at the Uji River and wounded by an arrow.
Coming to the fan lawn, you may feel a sense of mystery.

temple bell

The temple bell is said to be one of the three most famous bells in Japan, each
Mitsui Temple of Sound
Jingoji Temple
Byodoin in shape and form
It is said that the temple bell of Byodoin is famous for its splendid appearance.
The original, a national treasure, is now in the Byodoin Museum Hoshokan, and the one in the garden is a replica.
But when you see its beauty, you will be overwhelmed.
I would love to see the actual temple bell, which has been used as a design for postage stamps.

Facility Name:Byodoin Temple
Address: 116, Uji Renge, Uji City, Kyoto, Japan
Access: about 10 minutes walk from JR Uji Station

HP:https://www.byodoin.or.jp/

■ Summary

In this issue, we have introduced some of the royal shrines and temples that you must visit when you come to Kyoto.
I hope this will be helpful to those who knew the name but did not know what kind of place it was.
The Youtube video in the ↓ also introduces some of Kyoto's classic sightseeing spots, if you are interested.