Daikokuji Temple in Arashiyama- All you Need to Know

Here, you can stroll around Osawa Pond, Japan’s oldest garden pond. Feel the weight of 1,200 years of history and discover the birthplace of the Saga Goryu school of ikebana, or flower arrangement.

Whether you’re seeking stunning autumn colors, the perfect moon reflection, or a moment of profound peace, Daikakuji is waiting to be explored.

History

Daikakuji Temple originated in the early Heian period as the imperial villa of Emperor Saga. During a great famine in 818, the emperor hand-copied the Heart Sutra at the suggestion of the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi Kukai, which is said to have helped end the plague.

The temple was officially established in 876, with Imperial Prince Gojaku—a grandson of Emperor Saga—as its founding head priest.

During the Kamakura period, the retired Emperor Go-Uda lived here, and the temple became a center for the Southern Court and was also known as Saga Imperial Palace. The temple was also the site of the reconciliation talks that ended the Northern and Southern Courts period in 1392.

With a history spanning over 1,200 years, Daikakuji is renowned as the headquarters of the Saga Goryu school of ikebana, or flower arrangement.

Gardens

Osawa Pond and the Nagoso Waterfall Ruins

Osawa Pond is celebrated as the oldest artificial garden pond in Japan. Created in the early Heian period by Emperor Saga, it was modeled after China’s Dongting Lake and designed for his imperial villa. Because of this, the pond was also called “Teiko,” which means “garden lake.”

The path around the pond is over a kilometer long. On its northeast side are two small islands, Tenjin Island and Kiku-ga-shima Island, as well as a prominent stone formation called Teikoseki.

This arrangement of “two islands and one stone” is the basis of the Ikebana Saga Goryu school of flower arrangement. According to the school’s origin story, Emperor Saga picked wild chrysanthemums from Kiku-ga-shima Island and arranged them in a vase.

Near the northern edge of the pond are the stoneworks of the Nagoso Waterfall Ruins, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty. The ruins were once part of a garden for the “Waterfall Palace” villa and are famously associated with a classic poem by Fujiwara no Kintō. The poem speaks of the waterfall’s enduring fame long after its sound has ceased.

The pond’s main autumn highlight is the “Moon Viewing Evening” (Kangetsu no Yube), held around the time of the mid-autumn full moon. Osawa Pond is renowned as one of Japan’s three best spots for viewing the moon, a tradition started by Emperor Saga. He would float boats on the water with nobles to admire the moon.

During the event, visitors can appreciate the moon in the sky and its perfect reflection on the pond’s surface. Another notable event is the “Osawa Pond Light-Up,” held when the autumn leaves are at their peak.

The vast area around the pond is bathed in ethereal light, creating a magical atmosphere. One particularly breathtaking view is the reflection of the Shingyo Pagoda on the surface of the smaller Hojo-chi Pond.

The Stone Garden of the Shinden Hall

In front of the Shinden (Imperial Hall) at Daikakuji lies a serene white sand garden. This minimalist landscape is gracefully accented by an orange tree (“Ukon no Tachibana”) on the right and a plum tree (“Sakon no Ume”) on the left. This arrangement mirrors that of the garden of the Imperial Palace’s main ceremonial hall in Kyoto.

The Shinden Hall itself is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Originally a residence for Tofukumon’in Kazuko, an empress and daughter of shogun Tokugawa Hidetada, the hall was moved here from the Imperial Palace. The hall’s interior is famous for its stunning sliding screen paintings by the artist Kanō Sanraku.

During the “Osawa Pond Light-Up” event in the fall, the garden plays a supporting role in the temple’s illuminations. The sight of the temple’s signature flower, the Saga chrysanthemum, seemingly floating on the white sand in front of the Chokushi-mon Gate, is considered a spectacular view, further enhanced by the stark beauty of the surrounding stone garden.

Other Gardens (Courtyard & Teikokan)

Beyond the main areas, Daikakuji features other beautiful gardens. On the north side of the temple halls, a lovely courtyard filled with moss and trees can be viewed from the connecting “Murasame-no-roka” corridor, with a small pond garden visible in the back. Facing Osawa Pond is the Teikokan, a rest house built in the mid-Edo period.

In autumn, the Teikokan becomes a hub of cultural activity. It sometimes hosts the “Let’s Arrange Saga Chrysanthemums” workshop, presented by the Ikebana Saga Goryu school.

The Saga Chrysanthemum itself is a flower of great prestige, said to have originated from a wild variety that grew on Kiku-ga-shima Island in Osawa Pond during Emperor Saga’s reign. It became known as a noble flower, worthy of being presented to the Imperial Family.

Buildings

Shinden (Imperial Hall)

This elegant building was constructed in the Shinden-zukuri palace style and was a gift from Emperor Go-Mizunoo to his consort, Tofukumon’in Kazuko. It is renowned for its magnificent sliding door paintings (fusuma-e) by the artist Kanō Sanraku.

Godai-do Hall (Hall of the Five Wisdom Kings)

This is the main hall of Daikakuji Temple. Originally built by Emperor Saga, it was intended for prayers of national peace and abundant harvests. From the Moon Viewing Platform (Kangetsu-dai), visitors can enjoy a scenic view of Osawa Pond.

Shingyo-den Hall (Heart Sutra Hall)

This hall enshrines a handwritten copy of the Heart Sutra created by Emperor Saga. It is kept under an imperial seal and revealed to the public only once every 60 years. The building, designed by architect Kōji Fujii, is modeled after the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) at Horyu-ji Temple.

Shingyo Hoto

The Shingyo Hoto was built in 1967. It was built to commemorate the 1,150th anniversary of Emperor Saga’s transcription of the Heart Sutra, which forms the foundation of Daikakuji Temple.

Chokushi-mon Gate (Imperial Messenger’s Gate)

Rebuilt between 1848 and 1854, this gate is distinguished by its gilded imperial chrysanthemum crest.

Information

Fees & Hours

Regular Admission

The standard fees and hours for visiting the temple.

Autumn Events

the fees and hours for special events held in the autumn.

Moon Viewing Evening

This event is for enjoying the autumn moon.

Osawa Pond Light-Up

Enjoy the illuminated autumn scenery around the pond.

Saga Chrysanthemum Exhibition

A special exhibition of traditional Saga chrysanthemums.

Daikakuji Temple Address:

4 Saga-Osawacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8411, Japan

How to Get There from JR Kyoto Station

Below are the most common ways to access the temple from central JR Kyoto Station.

By Train and on Foot:

One reliable method is to take a short train ride, followed by a walk through the charming Saga-Arashiyama area. From JR Kyoto Station, board the JR San’in Main Line.

A local train heading towards Kameoka takes approximately 16 minutes to reach Saga-Arashiyama Station, while the rapid service takes about 11 minutes. After arriving, head to Exit 2 of the station. The temple is then a comfortable 20-minute walk away, covering a distance of about 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles).

By taxi or car:

If you prefer a more direct route, traveling by taxi or private car is also a great option. Although there is no official information on the exact travel time or cost from JR Kyoto Station, you can use the local bus route as a guide for the distance, which is about 7.6 miles (12.3 kilometers).

Use this distance to plan your trip. Please note that the final duration of your trip will depend heavily on the day’s traffic conditions, but it will likely be faster than taking the public bus.

Links & resources

・Offical Website
Daikakuji Temple (English Text)