What is Rozanji Temple, the birthplace of The Tale of Genji, Kyoto? A Brief Explanation of Attractions and Highlights

Have you ever heard of Rozanji Temple, a famous sightseeing area in Kyoto?
Rozanji Temple is located in Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, and is the birthplace of the Tale of Genji.
So what exactly is Rozan-ji Temple?

In this article, we will briefly explain the attractions and highlights of Rozan-ji Temple in Kyoto.

■What is Rozan-ji Temple, Kyoto?

What kind of temple is Rozanji in Kyoto?
Rozan-ji Temple is a single Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect located in Kitanobe-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto.
The principal image is the Amida Triad.
The site is known as the former residence of Murasaki Shikibu, and is famous for its Genji garden.

■History of Rozanji Temple, Kyoto

Rozan-ji Temple was founded in 938.
It was built by Gansan Taishi in Funayama.
However, it was moved to its present location in 1571 (Genki 2) after being spared from burning by Oda Nobunaga.
By order of Emperor Koukaku, the main hall of the temple was partially relocated from the Sento Gosho, and it is known as the site of Murasaki Shikibu's residence.

Highlights of Rozan-ji Temple, Kyoto

What are some of the highlights of Rozan-ji Temple in Kyoto?
Here is a summary of the highlights you should know before visiting Lushan Temple.

Main gate and main hall

The main gate and main hall are designated as national important cultural properties.
It is the oldest Zen Buddhist hojo building of the Muromachi period (1336-1573).

XXII

On display in the shoin is a foundation on which Hideyoshi Toyotomi and Ieyasu Tokugawa are said to have once played a game.

○Genji garden

The main attraction of Rozanji Temple is the Genji garden.
From mid-June to mid-September, visitors are enchanted by the beautiful purple kyokio flowers.
In the fall, beautiful autumn leaves can be seen.
It is also possible to see the curves of the moss ground on the white sand all over.

○Shakyo experience

Rozan-ji Temple is home to the main statue, the seated Amida Nyorai and his two attendant statues, which are designated as important cultural properties by the Japanese government.
Rozan-ji Temple also offers a sutra copying experience for those who want to relax.

○Oni Dance

At Rozanji Temple, the former residence of Murasaki Shikibu, an annual "Oni-odori" (devil's dance) is held every February on Setsubun.
The official name of this ceremony is "Tsuinoshi Shiki Oni Hogaku", and three demons, a blue demon with a big axe, a black demon with a big hammer, and a red demon with a torch and a treasured sword, come out on a special stage in front of the Daishi-do, and Tsuinoshi throws red and white beans to drive away the demons. (It is called "Oni no Hogaku.")

■Address and access to Rozan-ji Temple, Kyoto

Finally, let's look at the address and how to get to Rozan-ji Temple in Kyoto.

Address of Rozanji Temple, Kyoto, Japan

397 Kitanobe-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Access to Rozan-ji Temple, Kyoto

About 3 minutes walk from "Fuchiritsu Medai-kaibyoin-mae" bus stop on routes 4, 17, and 205 of the city bus from JR Kyoto Station.

○ Homepage

http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~rozanji/

■ Summary

How was it?
In this issue, we have introduced Rozanji Temple, the birthplace of the Tale of Genji in Kyoto.
You can see kikyo (Japanese buttercups) from mid-June, autumn leaves in fall, and Tsuina-style Onimahoraku when you visit in February, so you should definitely visit the temple at some point in the year.