Joshoji Temple Kyoto

The imperial city of Kyoto is known for its rich ness in art, culture and its abundance of temples, shrines, gardens and museums. The temple of Josho-ji is one such famous temple of Kyoto. Joshoji is known for its striking vermillion gate and the Yoshinodaiyu Flower service that is held every year on the third Sunday in the month of April.

Like most other ancient temples of Kyoto this temple too faced the twin ravages of fire and war and not much of the original temple survives today. The Josho-ji temple, also known as Danrinnotera and Yoshinonotera was founded in 1616 with the aim of educational advancement of Nichiren priests by the son of Koetsu Hon'ami [1558-1637], the founder of the Rimpa-style art school. It is not known whether the grant of land in Takagamine received by Hon'ami from Ieyasu Tokugawa was for his exile or as a reward. However, whatever may have been the purpose, it has to be said that the gesture resulted in development of unique art colony. It is also said that the land may have been intended to be used for religious purposes as the Hon’ami family was closely associated with Nichiren Buddhism.

The most striking feature of the magnificent Josho-ji temple is the front gate of the temple. The distinctive vermillion colored gate was donated a few year after the temple was established by an acclaimed courtesan Yoshino Taiyu when she embraced Buddhism. It is said that this gate was moved the Fushimi Momoyama Castle built in Kyoto by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Yoshino Taiyu's grave and a beautiful Teahouse built by her can be found in the temple grounds.

In the main hall of this Nichiren Sect temple tourists will find echoes of the temple's glory at the time of its foundation in 1615 in spite of the fact that a portion of the temple was reconstructed later. The main hall has been nominated as historic architecture by the Nara prefectural government. As a temple belonging to the Jodo Shin sect, it also houses a portrait of the sect's founder, Shinran, as one of its precious artifacts.

A memorial day for Taiyu, the high class performer and courtesan of the Edo Period is also celebrated in the month of April. Tea ceremonies and wonderful processions are held on this day.

If you happen to be a tourist with a nose for the exotic then do visit the beautiful Josho-ji Temple in Kyoto.

Address: 1 Kitatakagamine-cho Takagamine Kita-ku
Telephone Number: 075-492-6775
Fax Number: 075-492-1727

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