Experience The Exotic Gardens at Daigoji Temple Kyoto

Daigoji Temple Kyoto is a world heritage temple. The temple was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was founded in 874 AD. It is located in Kyoto. The 5-story pagado is the highlight of the temple. The pagoda dates back to 951 AD. The beautiful garden that is placed outside the temple is also quite popular among visitors.

 

History

Shobo founded the temple Daigoji in 874 AD. The temple got the royal family’s support in 907 AD. The pagoda which stands still to date was been constructed in 951 AD.

 

By the end of the 16th century, the temple was declined. During the same time, a famous feudal lord Hideyoshi Toyotomi visited the temple. He was known for the merging of Japan. He was quite impressed with the temple and thus ordered the restoration of the temple. The gardens that were part of the temple’s area were used as a personal treat by the feudal lord. The buildings that stand to date were constructed during that period.

 

Daigoji Temple Kyoto

What to See

 

View from Mt. Daigo:

A large area has been covered by the temple’s building. The major temple as well as the pagoda was constructed at the bottom of Mt Daigo. Many more buildings were constructed on the slope of Mt. Daigo. If you climb up to the mountain top you will witness a beautiful view of Osaka. It will require around 60 minutes to hike up to the mountain’s top.

 

The five-story pagoda:

The pagoda of Diagoji is 5- the story was constructed in 951 AD. It is known to be the oldest construction located in Kyoto. The main hall of the pagoda is commonly known as Sanborn. The roof of the hall has a thatched roof. The interior of the main hall is decorated with scenes of the Chinese village as well as nature being painted on the wall. The colorful as well as bold paintings include the golden leaf.

 

Guardian statues:

Two guardian statues namely Agyo and Ungyo are placed in Nio-man. The statues were shaped in the year 1134. Also, the statutes were created by Ninzo and Seizo

 

The Sanborn Garden:

The Sanborn garden has both dry as well as wet gardens. The gardens are been declared a “historic site” as well “a place of scenic beauty” in Japan. The most beautiful site in the garden is the little red-colored bridge which arches over the pond up to the small red-colored temple, known as Benten-do. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of eloquence.

 

How to reach

The nearest airport is Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Further, you can travel by bus or hire a car. The Daigo Station on the Tozain line is the nearest railway station, getting out of the station you are required to walk for the next 10 minutes in the east direction.

 

Parking options

You can park your private as well as hired vehicles in the small parking lot situated near the temple.

 

When to visit

The best time to visit the city is from August to November. The best time of the day to visit the temple is in the early morning.

 

Entrance fees

The entrance fees for every individual in the temple are ¥600.

 

Opening timings

The temple is open from 9 am to 5 pm from March to November. Also from November to February, the temple is open from 9 am to 4 pm.