Bukkoji Temple Kyoto
Bukkoji is a Jodo Shinshu sect temple in the Gion district of central Kyoto and was founded by the priest Ryogen (1295-1336), a disciple of Shinran in 1324.
Bukkoji Temple, Kyoto 佛光寺
Bukkoji is a Jodo Shinshu sect temple in the Gion district of central Kyoto.
Bukkoji Temple, Gion, Kyoto
Main Hall, Bukkoji, Gion, Kyoto
History of Bukkoji
Bukkoji has a rather convoluted history. Originally named Kosho-ji, the temple was founded by the priest Ryogen (1295-1336), a disciple of Shinran in 1324 in Yamashina, now a suburb of Kyoto on its eastern outskirts.
By the late 15th century, Bukkoji became a subordinate temple of Honganji after a period of poor relations between the two Amida sect temples.
Bukkoji moved to its present location in Gion in 1586 on the orders of the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The temple grounds consist of a number of large and impressive halls. The Main Hall contains an image of Shinran, said to have been carved by the priest himself.
Bukkoji, Gion, Kyoto
dd Shokudo, Bukkoji, Higashiyama, Kyoto
More modern additions to the temple grounds include a cafe and arts and crafts shop selling traditional Kyoto goods and souvenirs with a modern twist. Both are a partnership with Kyoto University of Art and Design.
The D&Department Kyoto Cafe is a lovely, tatami-floored space serving coffee, tea and light meals. The shop is usually open from 10 am-4 pm while the cafe is open from 11 am-4 pm.
Shop, Bukkoji, Higashiyama, Kyoto
Bukkoji (bukkoji.or.jp)
Shinkai-cho, Shimogyo-ku
Higashiyama-ku
Kyoto 600-8084
Tel: 075 341 3321
Hours: Open 9 am to 5 pm
Admission: Grounds are free.
Bukkoji Access - How to get to Bukkoji
From Kyoto Station take a #5 bus, a #26 bus or a #101 Raku Bus and get off at the Shijo Karasuma bus stop. Kyoto buses #8, #11, #12, #32, #46, #91, #201, #203 and #207 also stop at the Shijo Karasuma bus stop.
Bukkoji is also an approximately 10 to 15-minute walk from both Shijo Karasuma Station on the Kyoto subway and Hankyu Shijo Kawaramachi Station.
Bukkoji, Gion, South Higashiyama, Kyoto
Other Places Of Interest Near Bukkoji
Bukkoji is within walking distance of Kenninji Temple, the Japan Kanji Museum, the Kyoto Municipal Museum of School History, Yasaka Shrine, Kodaiji Temple and Kiyomizudera Temple.
Gate, Bukkoji, Kyoto, Japan
