Chōraku-ji Temple

Place of worship • 626 Maruyamachō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0071, Japan

4.1(277 reviews)

Choraku-ji - A Hidden Gem in Kyoto Wrapped in History and Tranquility

A Serene Temple in the Quiet Forest

Away from the hustle and bustle of Yasaka Shrine, Choraku-ji stands in a tranquil forest. This Jodo sect temple was founded in 805 by Saicho (Dengyo Daishi) and is a historic temple also mentioned in the Tale of the Heike. As you proceed along the approach, the entire temple grounds feel like time has stood still, exuding the weight of history from the buildings to the garden.

Associated with Kenreimonin

It is said that Kenreimonin, the daughter of Taira no Kiyomori and mother of Emperor Antoku, became a nun at Choraku-ji after the fall of the Taira clan. Next to the main hall is the grave of Kenreimonin, the 'Kenreimonin Gotou,' where her cut hair is said to be buried. Would you like to offer your monetary offering while recalling the world of the Tale of the Heike?

The Graceful Garden and Numerous Treasures

The pond-stroll style garden associated with Ashikaga Yoshimasa may occasionally be unavailable for viewing due to maintenance. Nevertheless, you can still catch a glimpse of the elegant garden, including the Heian no Taki waterfall crafted by Soami, and more. Additionally, important cultural properties such as Buddhist statues are specially exhibited in the treasure house, allowing you to feel the depth of Choraku-ji's history.

Access and Recommended Seasons

To visit Choraku-ji, you ascend the slope from the Nanrakumon in front of Yasaka Shrine. The admission fee is around 600 yen. You can enjoy the scenery in each season, from the fresh green of spring to the autumn foliage, but it may be best to visit during a slightly cool period to avoid crowds. It will be a great opportunity to quietly immerse yourself in the charm of Choraku-ji.

Tourist attraction Place of worship Point of interest Establishment

Reviews

2(2 months ago)

Eric Walker

DO NOT GO HERE until maybe 2025. The Soami garden is surrounded by construction and it completely lacks the aesthetic that it was known for. That's all fine, restoration is inevitable, but they still charge 800 yen which is already on the high end and something you usually only pay for a special opening. Save your money and go somewhere else nearby. Hope the construction finishes soon.

4(a year ago)

Louise Larsson

When we visited Wednesday 22 March the whole place seemed deserted. We didn’t see or meet another soul. The buildings were locked of course, but not the area itself. The place is a bit rundown, but soooo tranquil. We loved it here.

5(5 months ago)

Erika Houle

We came here for a 7am morning service because we were staying at the related shukubo Yugyouan down the street. It was a delightful experience. It was just the priest and 3 of us shukubo folks. The priest did the chants while we read along. He even gave a dedication with our names included. We got to go up and offer incense during the ceremony. The. He gave a brief tour of the altar in Japanese and let us walk around the grounds ourselves. We could ring the big temple bell and visit the small waterfall, cemetery, and mini museum. It was a low key but rich temple experience. Definitely not clogged with tourists, this was a lovely place to visit.

5(5 years ago)

Daniel Everard

Perfectly serene and far enough off the tourist track to be unspoilt. Magnificent cemetery and perfectly tended grounds. We visited as the sun dipped towards the horizon and the warm illumination was splendid.

5(4 years ago)

Dr. Michael Kohlberger, BSc MSc

The stone steps up to the temple are overgrown with moss and give off a feeling of being very old. There is definitely something special about this place. I found two tiny animals very close to each other and both did not run away but interacted with me. A different kind of magic!

Provided by Google