Daitokuji Temple Kyoto

Daitokuji Temple Kyoto

One of the best places to get an insight into Zen Buddhism in the temple city of Kyoto is the Daitoku-ji temple. In fact this serene temple is often attributed to be the best place to experience Zen in Japan. This temple is the head temple of the Daitokuji school of Rinzai, a sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. Daitokuji with its surrounding complex of 24 sub temples, gardens and tea rooms forms a village of sorts and is known to be one of the largest Zen temples of Japan along with Tofuku-ji and Nanzenji.

History

The temple was established in 1319 by Daitokokushi, also known as Shohomyocho. The temple was favored by the Emperor Go-Daigo of Japan and its mountain was named among the five sacred mountains. The temple languished in aristocratic disdain when it was ignored (especially in respect of financial aid) by the Ashikaga shogunate. A huge portion of the Daitokuji temple complex was devastated by fire during the Onin War but was rebuilt with the aid of rich merchants of Osaka.

What to see in Daitokuji temple

The temple is one of the best instances of Zen architecture, design and out of its most interesting sights is that of the sub temple Kotoin. Kotoin is famous for its maple trees and moss garden and is a spectacular sight when the leaves turn color in autumn.

Another sub-temple that you should visit is the Daisen-in, which has a very picturesque rock garden which is designed in the traditional “dry landscape style”.
The Ryogen-in sub temple is said to have the smallest Zen garden in Japan.
Zuihoin is also one of the sub temples within the complex and is revered allover for its simplicity, which speaks to you in a way that the most lavishly decorated temple cannot.

An entry fee to each garden is roughly within the range of 300 yens and 450 yens.

Daitoku-ji is also known as a place to study Zen Buddhism. So if you are looking for something more than just a pretty sight and are on a spiritual quest then you must visit this temple as some of the sub temples of Daitokuji also offer meditation lessons.

The Daitokuji temple also offers two very commendable Buddhist vegetarian restaurants in its complex.

How to get there:

From Kyoto Station, it is simplest to reach Daitokuji by the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station, from where the temple complex is a 5 minute bus ride or 15 minute walk.

Hotels in Kyoto
Hotel Kyoto Okura	Hotel Monterey
Hotel Westin Miyako	Hotel New Miyako
Hotel Kokusai	Hotel Hearton

Book Kyoto hotels now