Daigoji Temple
December 02, 2017
Daigoji Temple
9:00 am | Day 3 | Kyoto
9:00 am | Day 3 | Kyoto
From Fushimi Inari Shrine we headed to our next stop, Daigoji Temple. It
is a large complex by Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism located south
of Kyoto and designated as world heritage site. Daigoji Temple is famous for
its grand temples, five-storey pagoda and its alluring gardens.
From Fushimi Inari Station we took Bus 22A using ICOCA Card which is
about 45 minutes in travel, 230 yen (flat rate). Since the place is on the
outskirt of the city, it is simply serene. While on transit, we noticed how
people were just gentle and few. The streets were small yet clean.
Upon arriving on the temple, it was really different from our previous
stop. The place was less crowded. Probably because it is a little bit far from
the city. The temple admission fee is 1500 yen for three locations – Sanboin,
Reihokan Museum and Shimo-Daigo.
Sanboin is an old temple with a colorful history. Built 1115, the temple is still well preserved. The floors are made of wood. Some rooms have woven mats with sliding doors meticulously hand painted. We saw how the details were too intricate yet so minimalist. We were simply amazed with the hand painted walls and calligraphies around the area. Photography was not allowed inside the temple but they allowed us to photograph its serene garden. It was a peaceful experience just sitting on the balcony together with the other tourists while enjoying the beautiful garden.
Sanboin is an old temple with a colorful history. Built 1115, the temple is still well preserved. The floors are made of wood. Some rooms have woven mats with sliding doors meticulously hand painted. We saw how the details were too intricate yet so minimalist. We were simply amazed with the hand painted walls and calligraphies around the area. Photography was not allowed inside the temple but they allowed us to photograph its serene garden. It was a peaceful experience just sitting on the balcony together with the other tourists while enjoying the beautiful garden.
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| The Sanboin Temple. |
After Sanboin, we headed to Shimo-Daigo. A vast area with plenty of
temples that includes the oldest five-storey pagoda that was built 951. Imagine
that?! Looking from a far, the pagoda was truly remarkable. As we got closer,
we saw how intricate every detail was - from its post, walls and roof - a
masterpiece that unfolded before us.
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| The five-storey high pagoda. |
Further ahead is the Bentendo Hall hailed as the most photographed in
Daigoji during autumn. It is nonetheless the prime of it all. It was
surrounded by beautiful maple and ginko trees with a pond in front, a magical
sight to behold. It was like we were transported into a different time and
place. While enjoying the view, it was nice to see that other tourists were
very respectful as they were just peacefully appreciating the beauty of the
place.
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| The Bentendo Hall in autumn colors. |
After taking some pictures of the place, we spent time enjoying the moment while
in there. We have been to many places already but nothing compares to this. Our
pictures surely are not enough and does not give justice to the place. The
serenity and calmness made us appreciate more of Kyoto’s beauty.
It was about noontime then, we grabbed some snacks before we hopped on
the bus going back to our guesthouse. We planned to visit more of Kyoto later
in the afternoon.
Time Spent: 2 hour
Admission : 1500 yen
Admission : 1500 yen
Opening Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
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