Saimyoji Temple

Saimyoji Temple（西明寺） is said to have been founded as a branch temple of Jingoji Temple.Currently, it is the quasi-separate head temple of the Daikakuji school of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, which goes by the name of “Makiosan”.

Stone steps lead up from the Sazuki Bridge over the Kiyotaki River to the monument “Taikai Geso,” which means a clean place from here.

In the main hall, donated by Keishoin, you can see the main statues of Shaka Nyorai, Senju Kannon Bosatsu, and Aizenmyoo.The 700-year-old Koya-maki tree diagonally in front of the main hall is one of the oldest cedar trees in Japan and is said to be the origin of the place name “Maki-no-o.

To get to Saimyoji Temple from Kyoto Station, take the Nishinihon JR Bus for a 50-minute ride. From the Maki no O bus stop, it is a 5-minute walk to Saimyoji Temple.