Gionji Temple(祇王寺) is a nunnery belonging to the Shingon sect of Buddhism and the Tatchu (temple on the grounds of a large temple) of Daikakuji Temple.The deciduous leaves during the fall foliage season are impressive.
The building was donated by Kunimichi Kitagaki, the third governor of Kyoto Prefecture (1881 – 1892).The large Yoshino window (commonly known as the “rainbow window”) is impressive.Moss gardens are mainly covered with “kotsubo-goke,” “shinobo-goke,” “sugi-moke,” “hi-goke,” and “hinoki-moke.
There is also a special “Daikakuji Temple and Gionji Temple (two temples) common entrance ticket” that allows you to visit both temples together with Daikakuji Temple. It takes about 25 minutes on foot from Gionji Temple to Daikakuji Temple.
To get to Gionji Temple from Kyoto Station, take a 16-minute JR train ride, or a 25-minute walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station.
opening hours | 9:00 a.m. - 4:50 p.m.※Admission until 4:30 p.m. |
regular closing day | without a holiday |
entrance fee | Adults 300 yen, Elementary school students 100 yen※Daikaku-ji and Gion-ji (2 temples) common entrance ticket 600 yen |
bus stop | City bus Saga Shakado-mae bus stop※Approx. 15 minutes walk from the nearest bus stop |
station | JR Saga-Arashiyama station※Approx. 25 minutes walk from the nearest station |
parking lot | Parking available(free)※for several cars |
official site | Gioji Temple |