Saimyo-ji temple in Makinoo
Saimyo-ji, a small temple that stands between Kozan-ji and Jingo-ji, was founded during the period of Tencho (824-834) by Chisen Daitoku (789-825) who was one of the ten disciples of Kukai (774-835), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The Shingon sect temple is also known as Byodoshinno-in. The main hall was donated by Keishoin (1627-1705), the mother of the 5th Tokugawa Shogun Tsunayoshi (1646-1709), in 1700.
The primary Buddhist image, Shaka-Nyorai was sculptured during the Kamakura era (1192-1333) and is an Important Cultural Property. Beside this statue stands an image of Senju-kannon, or the Thousand-armed Kannon which was made during the Heian era (794-1185) and is also an Important Cultural Property.
How to get to Saimyo-ji
Take a JR bus bound for Toganoo or Shuzan, from Kyoto Station. It takes about an hour. Intermediate stops include Shijo-Omiya, Ryoan-ji-mae, and Takao. Then walk 5 minutes.
15 minutes walk from Kozan-ji in Toganoo or 30minutes from Jingo-ji in Takao.
Hours:
09:00-17:00
Admission
400 yen to get into the halls. Precincts are free.
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| Shigetsu-kyo bridge that leads to Saimyo-ji. 070616 |
The gate of Saimyo-ji 070616 |
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| A line of Ishidoro (stone lanterns). 070616 |
Colored leaves in June!!! 070616 |
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| The Main Hall 070616 |
The belfry. 070616 |
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| Covered passage connecting the main hall and another building. 070616 |
Autumn leaves. 011117 |