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Kyoto, the ancient capital city of Japan, is blessed with a rich collection of historic sites. The city gives you the essence of Japan’s bustling streets mingled with peaceful temple grounds, shrines, hot springs and deep-rooted Japanese culture. The capital city, with its glorious past, is still the cultural hub of Japan. The city’s numerous historical attractions include 17 temples and castles designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Amongst the several temples in Kyoto, Gio-ji is worth noting for its tranquil background. Located on the border of Kyoto city, it is indeed a hidden gem. Its peaceful surroundings with inviting trees and gardens and sunlight leaking through leaves, takes you far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Soothing sunlight that filters through the leaves gives a glowing touch to its mossy carpet. Gio-ji belongs to the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. From the famous Tale of Heike (Heike Monogatari) we get the history of the temple. According to the tale, the temple site was the refuge of two mistresses of Kiyomori Taira, Gio and her sister Ginyo, who were famous dancers of the Heian period and later became nun following their break up with Kiyomari. The Tale of Heike also tells us that both Gio and Ginyo devoted their lives to Buddha in this sacred place. After some time Hotoke Gozen started to stay with them in a humble cottage with thatched roof. Though the temple is not a heavily crowded tourist spot, it is a popular site for students of Japanese literature, who visit the temple to see the wooden statues of Kiyomori, Gio, Ginyo, Gio’s mother and Hotoke Gozen, placed within the historical nunnery.
However the chief image of the temple is that of Dainichi Nyorai, who is believed to be the supreme being of Esoteric Buddhism. The image also represents the deification of sunlight. Gorin-to, the sacred stone of five elements standing for earth, water, fire, wind and water is supposed to be the grave of Kiyomori Taira. The temple is popular for its picturesque view in autumn. How to Reach To reach the Gio-ji temple you have to avail the City Bus/Kyoto Bus and get off at the Saga-Shakadomae stop. From the bus stop 15-minute walk will take you to the temple complex.
The train station nearest to the temple is Torokko Arashiyama. The temple remains open from 9:00-17:00. If you are on a trip to Kyoto, spend some time to visit this humble temple in Kyoto city.
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