Known as a famous cherry blossom spot in Kyoto, Bishamon-do Temple boasts numerous highlights, including its vibrantly colored main hall and Karamon gate.
Shrines and Temples
National Treasure
World Heritage
flower-viewing
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Highlights
Vibrantly colored main hall and Karamon gate
Kodai Benzaiten, associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi's mother
Protective dragon painted by the Edo-period artist Kano Nagashu (Eishuku) Shushin
・Approximately 15-20 minute walk from Yamashina Station on the JR Biwako Line (Tokaido Main Line) and Kosei Line, or the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line.
・Approximately 15-20 minute walk from Keihan Yamashina Station on the Keihan Keishin Line. Show route
Op.Hours
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cld.Days
None
Fee
Free (grounds open to the public)
INFO
- Smoking is prohibited throughout the grounds.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Large baggage can be checked at the reception.
Bishamon-do Temple, located in Yamashina, offering panoramic views of Kyoto, is a Tendai sect temple with Bishamonten as its principal deity. Founded at the end of the Heian period, it integrated three temples associated with the Taira clan. Later, it was restored in the early Edo period by Tenkai, suggesting close ties to the powerful figures of the time due to Tenkai's proximity to Tokugawa Ieyasu. The main hall and Karamon gate, donated by the Tokugawa family, prominently feature the architectural style of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, showcasing vibrant colors and intricate ornamentation. These structures boast a unique beauty rarely seen in Kyoto's Buddhist temple architecture. The temple also houses numerous historical and artistic treasures, including Kodai Benzaiten, associated with the mother of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and a protective dragon painted on the ceiling of the 霊殿 (reiden - spirit hall) by Kano Nagashu (Eishuku) Shushin, an Edo-period painter. The cherry blossoms in spring, particularly the weeping cherry trees over 150 years old, beautifully adorn the grounds, delighting numerous visitors. Autumn's foliage is equally stunning, painting the temple grounds in a vibrant display of color. Bishamon-do Temple, revealing new discoveries with each visit, offers a captivating experience throughout the year. We highly recommend a visit.
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