Kurodani, Konkai-Komyoji Temple

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Kurodani, Konkai-Komyoji Temple

The very first temple of the Jodo Sect, founded by Honen Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Sect.

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Often affectionately referred to as "Kurodani-san", this temple is the head temple of the Jodo Sect. In 1175, Honen Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Sect, descended from Mt. Hiei and first established this temple in Kurodani, marking it as the earliest temple of the sect. The temple also played a significant role during the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. Matsudaira Katamori, the Lord of the Aizu domain and appointed as the Kyoto protector, set up his base here. This connection also ties the temple to the Shinsengumi, a special samurai police force, as Kondo Isami and Hijikata Toshizo were among Matsudaira's subordinates.

Notable structures within the temple complex include the main gate, which bears the imperial inscription "The First Gate of Pure Land True Sect" penned by Emperor Gokomatsu, the Amida Hall reconstructed by Toyotomi Hideyori, and the Miedo Hall, where a portrait of Honen Shonin is enshrined. Another must-see is the statue of Amida Buddha, characterized by its distinctive hairstyle known as Rahotsu.

Every autumn, the temple offers special viewings where areas usually off-limits, such as the study and the stroll-style garden named "Shiun-no-Niwa", are open to the public. During this period, the maple leaves are illuminated, creating a dreamlike ambiance.

Highlights

  • The head temple of the Jodo Sect, opened by Honen Shonin.
  • Known as the birthplace of the Shinsengumi.
  • The Amida Buddha statue with its unique hairstyle is a highlight.
  • Autumn special viewings include an illumination event of the autumn leaves.

Photos

  • The main gate features the imperial inscription "The First Gate of Pure Land True Sect" written by Emperor Gokomatsu. 
Photo by Katsuhiko Mizuno.

    The main gate features the imperial inscription "The First Gate of Pure Land True Sect" written by Emperor Gokomatsu. Photo by Katsuhiko Mizuno.

  • The Amida Hall is the oldest building within the temple grounds.
Photo by Katsuhiko Mizuno.

    The Amida Hall is the oldest building within the temple grounds. Photo by Katsuhiko Mizuno.

  • The autumn leaves illuminated during special viewings.
Photo by Katsuhiko Mizuno.

    The autumn leaves illuminated during special viewings. Photo by Katsuhiko Mizuno.

  • "The Tiger Room", where the number of tigers changes when the fusuma (sliding doors) are opened and closed. Open only during special viewings.
Photo by Katsuhiko Mizuno.

    "The Tiger Room", where the number of tigers changes when the fusuma (sliding doors) are opened and closed. Open only during special viewings. Photo by Katsuhiko Mizuno.

Reviews

1
  • 陳素貞

    最適合秋天來,經典日式庭園造景景色很好。

Details

Name in Japanese
くろ谷 金戒光明寺
Postal Code
606-8331
Address
121 Kurodanicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone
075-771-2204
Closed
Open every day
Hours
Open for worship at any time. ※Miedo Hall: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fee
Admission: Free
※Special viewing fees (Miedo Hall, Daikodo, Garden) Adults: 1,000 yen, Elementary students: 500 yen
※Gate Set Admission Adults: 1,600 yen, Elementary students: 800 yen
Access
From Hankyu Kyoto Line's Kyoto-kawaramachi Station, take the city bus to "Okazaki-michi", then a 10-minute walk.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Official Website (Japanese)