Daigo-ji Temple is on one of the largest temple properties in Kyoto. It is a beautiful place with many temple buildings spread across a mountainside. These are connected by walking trails through the trees. It is famous for its 5-story pagoda, its large weeping Japanese cherry trees (shidaresakura), wide variety of flowers, and long, peaceful walks.
In the early spring, the many weeping cherry trees are one of the main attractions. At full bloom, these trees create flowing curtains of pink blossoms in several corners of the temple grounds.
The temple was established in 874, during the early Heian period. It is named for the Emperor Daigo who became a monk here in 930, after becoming very ill. He died here when he was 46, and was buried at the temple.
Besides being on the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, Daigo-ji also contains 18 National Treasures. One of them is the five-story pagoda, constructed in 951, which is one of the only buildings in Kyoto that wasn’t destroyed during the Onin War in the 1400s. It is now the oldest building in Kyoto.
The large temple grounds spread across two main areas. Lower Diago (Shimo-Daigo) and Sambo-in are located at the bottom of the mountain and are connected by paved streets and paths. Upper Daigo (Kami-Daigo) is reached by a trail that winds up the hillside, past a pond. It is peaceful walk to the temple, without the crowds that can be found down in the lower areas of the temple.
Getting to Daigo-ji Temple
By Train
From JR Yamashina Station
Walk 10 minutes
From Tozai Subway Line Daigo Station
Walk 10 minutes
From Keihan Line Rokujizo Station
Walk 10 minutes
By Bus
From Keihan Bus Daigo-Sanpo-in bus stop
Walk 10 minutes
Hours
9:00 - 17:00
9:00 - 16:00 December - February
Fees
Adults: 600 yen
High School and Junior High Students: 300 yen
Address
22 Daigo-Higash-oji-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City
Telephone: 075-571-0002
Fax: 075-571-0101
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