Ichijoji Area of Kyoto, Visiting beautiful small temples

Ichijoji area is located all the way northeast of Kyoto City. Although the Ichijoji area is not the most famous tourist spot in Kyoto, it is dotted with beautiful temples along the mountains. Traffic is not very convenient, but let’s take a hike and visit some of them.

This model course visits Manshu-in Temple, Enkoji Temple and Shisendo Temple. Tanukidanisan Fudoin and Konpukuji Temple can be included in the course. If you are interested in famous Miyamoto Musashi, then you should visit Hachidai Jinja Shrine as well.

The best time to visit this course is during the autumn leaves. The season of fresh greenery is the next best time to visit.

There are many restaurants around the nearest bus stops and train stations. Note, however, that this course is on the edge of the mountains, and there are not many restaurants around the temples and shrines you will visit.

Manshu-in Temple

The buildings of Manshu-in Temple, including the large drawing room, small drawing room, and tea ceremony room, are Important Cultural Properties. The painting of Yellow Fudo Myooo (Fudo Myooo in colors on silk) and the Kokin Waka Shu (Anthology of Poems) (Manshuuin version) are National Treasures.

Manshu-in Temple (曼殊院)

Enkoji Temple

Cultural assets of Enkoji Temple include a six-panel screen depicting bamboo groves by Maruyama Okyo (Important Cultural Property) . Jugyu-no-niwa garden in the precincts of the temple is famous for its autumn leaves and mosses.

Enkoji Temple (圓光寺)

Shisendo Temple

Shisen-do is especially popular for its sophisticated garden. Shisen-do is beautiful with satsuki (Japanese azalea) in late May, hydrangea in June, and autumn leaves in fall.

Shisendo Jozanji (詩仙堂丈山寺)

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You can also visit following places.

Tanukidani-san Fudoin

Tanukudani-san Fudoin is the head temple of Shugendo, the Shingon sect of Buddhism, located in Ichijoji, Sakyo-ku. The main hall of the temple, built in the Kengai-zukuri style (stage style), is located up the hill from Shisendo Temple and 250 more steps.

Tanukidani-san Fudō-in Temple (狸谷山不動院)

Konpukuji Temple

If you love Haiku or Matsuo Basho, Konpukuji Temple has a trace of Basho and other important Haiku poets.

Konpukuji Temple (金福寺)