Rokuoin Temple
Rokuoin Temple in Saga near Arashiyama in western Kyoto is known for the beauty of its autumn leaves and the borrowed scenery of its garden.
Rokuoin Temple 鹿王院
Rokuoin Temple, located in the west of Kyoto, near Arashiyama is known for its autumn leaves and is a less-visited temple than its famous neighbor, Tenryuji.
The long, straight entrance path leading from the main gate at Rokuoin Temple is lined with maple trees which burst into color during November. The garden surrounding the main hall employs the borrowed scenery of Arashiyama.
Rokuoin Temple in Kyoto is famous for the beauty of its autumn leaves.
The path from the main gate at Rokuoin Temple.
Rokuoin Temple History
Rokuoin Temple is a Rinzai-sect temple of Japanese Zen Buddhism and was founded in 1380 during the Muromachi Period on the orders of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.
The temple was known then as Daifukuden Hotozenji and was a much grander affair, rivaling nearby Tenryuji in size, with a pagoda (named Rokuoin) but the temple was destroyed during the Onin War (1467-1477).
What remains today is the temple that was consolidated on the site in the 15th century and restored again in the 17th century.
Rokuoin is also a shukubo (temple lodging) exclusively for women with accommodation provided in tatami-floored rooms. Visitors can join the morning sermon and zazen session at 6.30am and dinner and a bath is provided (bring your own towel and toiletries).
Garden at Rokuoin Temple in Kyoto.
Rokuoin Temple in Saga western Kyoto.
Rokuoin Access - how to get to Rokuoin Temple
Rokuoin is just two minutes from the Keifuku Line's Rokuoin Station. Turn right out of the station walking south and then turn right (west) at the sign. The entrance to Rokuoin is on your right.
Alternatively, Rokuoin is about 6 minutes' walk south from JR Saga Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station.
Rokuoin is also a short walk from Shimo Saga bus stop on Kyoto bus #11 from Sanjo Keihan Station to Arashiyama.
Rokuoin Temple
24 Sagakitaboricho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8367.
Tel: 075 861 1645.
Hours: 9am-5pm
Admission fee.
Rokuoin Temple Map
