Senkoji Temple

Senkoji Temple is a small temple located in Arashiyama, Kyoto. It is located across the Katsura River from the popular Arashiyama area. A 20-minute walk along the river across the Togetsukyo Bridge brings you to Senkoji Temple.

Road to Senkoji
Looking back the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama

Senkoji Temple was built by Suminokura Ryoi, a wealthy merchant of the Edo period. He relocated Senkoji Temple, which was originally located near Seiryoji Temple in Saga. It is said that the temple was built to mourn those who died during the construction work to open the Oigawa (Hozu River).

Temple’s official WEB site

This is a road that not many people walk on. However, it is a path with beautiful scenery along the river.

View of Katsura River
View of Katsura River

The path is covered with many trees. Especially, there are many maple trees. So it is notably beautiful during the season of fresh green and autumn leaves.

Tree-covered path to Senkoji
Tree-covered path to Senkoji

From the temple entrance, steep stone steps continue for a while. It takes about 5 minutes to reach the temple.

Senkoji Entrance

There is a bell tower and a hall on the mountain. The main deity of this temple is a statue of Senju Kannon (Goddess of Mercy).

Senju Kannon
Senju Kannon

The view from the Senkoji hall is amazing. The photo was taken in summer, and the greenery is beautiful. If you come in the fall, you will see beautiful autumn leaves. On the other side of the river is Okochi Sanso Garden.

view from Senkoji Temple

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