Jingo-ji temple in Takao
Jingo-ji is one of the main temples of the Koyasan Shingon sect. The Buddhist temple is said to have been founded in 781 as one of five temples in Atago area and named Takaosan-ji. In 824, a statesman Wake-no-Kiyomaro (733-799) brought another temple from present day Osaka Prefecture and merged it with the original temple. He named the combined temple Jingokokusoshingon-ji, that means"Shingon temple for divine protection of the country." Kukai (774-835), the founder of the Shingon sect, was assigned as the head priest. The temple gradually declined, until it was restored in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and then by the Tokugawa family.
A standing statue of the Buddhist divinity Yakushi Nyorai (a National Treasure) in the main Hall is one of many important cultural assets held by the temple.
The above information is based on that displayed in front of the temple by Kyoto City
How to get to Jingo-ji
JR bus bound for Toganoo or Shuzan, from Kyoto Station to Takao. It takes about 50 minutes. Intermediate stops include Shijo-Omiya, Ryoan-ji-mae. Then walk downhill 5 minutes and uphill 15 minutes on stone steps.
Kyoto City bus No. 8 from Shijo-Karasuma to Takao. Intermediate stops include Shijo-Omiya, Kitano-Tenman-gu-mae and Omuro-Ninna-ji.
Hours and Admission
09:00-16:00
400 yen.
Photos
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| Approach to Jingo-ji. 070616 |
Backside view of Sanmon gate. 070616 |
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| Middle of the long stone stairs to Jingo-ji, Takao 011117 |
Restaurant under autumn leaves beside the stairs to Jingo-ji 011117 |
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| The Sanmon gate of Jingo-ji, Takao 011117 |
Godai-do hall on the left and Bishamon-do of Jingo-ji on the right. 011117 |
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| The precincts of Jingo-ji. At the far end is Sanmon gate. 011117 |
Fallen colored leaves on moss covered garden. 011117 |
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| The mausoleum of Wake-no-Kiyomaro. 070616 |
Myo'oh-do hall. 070616 |
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| Godai-do hall. 070616 |
Bishamon-do that used be Kon-do, the main hall. 070616 |
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| Daishi-do, a important cultural property. 070616 |
Kon-do, the main hall that was built in 1935 070616 |
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| Kaerumata that is a decorative structural member of Kon-do. 070616 |
Onigawara, or a gargoyle of Kon-do. 070616 |
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| Another onigawara on the roof of Kon-do 070616 |
Taho-to pagoda that was built in 1935. 070616 |
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| Akai, a spring that is said to be dug by Kukai. 070616 |
A person throwing Kawarake, or small unglazed dish. This is said to drive
evil spirits out. 070616 |