Jobonrendaiji is a temple located in Kita Ward, Kyoto, said to have been founded in 1103 during the late Heian period. Situated at the foot of Funaoka Yama (Mount Funaoka), it was a central temple in Rendaino, one of Kyoto’s three major burial grounds.

The temple’s name is derived from the lotus pedestal of the highest rank in Amida Buddha’s Pure Land. From the late Heian to the Kamakura period, this area functioned as an important burial site, with Jobonrendaiji playing a central role.
Although you can freely enter to the temple ground, the interior of the temple is not open to the public.
Cultural Properties
The most significant cultural property of Jobonrendaiji is the “Illustrated Sutra of Cause and Effect (絵因果経),” designated as a National Treasure. This scroll, created in the Nara period, depicts the story of Buddha’s life from his previous incarnations to his enlightenment through both text and illustrations. Of the original eight volumes, Jobonrendaiji possesses part of the third volume.
This “Illustrated Sutra of Cause and Effect” is considered an extremely valuable work in Japanese art history due to its artistic value and historical importance. It serves as a precious document that conveys the sutra copying techniques and painting expressions of the Nara period, providing important clues for understanding the Buddhist culture and artistic styles of that time.Currently, this National Treasure is deposited at the Kyoto National Museum and is periodically displayed to the public.

Jocho, a Buddhist priest of the Heian period, is known for his creation of the seated Amida Nyorai, the principal image of the Phoenix Hall of Uji Byodoin Temple. He is buried in this temple after his death.

Jobonrendaiji, as the temple that has preserved and passed down this valuable cultural property, holds a significant position in the history of Japanese Buddhist art.
Nearby spots of Jobonrendaiji
Funaoka Yama and its surrounding area have long been known as an important burial ground in Kyoto. Jobonrendaiji was also a part of funeral proceedings.
Shakuzoji temple is widely known as “Kuginuki Jizo” (Nail-Pulling Jizo), and there’s an interesting story behind this name.
The most distinctive feature of Senbon Enmado is its main deity, King Enma, the ruler of the underworld in Buddhist tradition. The 2.4-meter-tall statue of King Enma was created in 1488.
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