ABOUT
About this spot
Daitoku-ji is a Rinzai Zen temple in Murasakino, Kita Ward, Kyoto, and the head temple of the Daitoku-ji school. Its broad grounds hold the Dharma Hall, Buddha Hall and main gate, surrounded by many sub-temples. It is both a Zen training monastery and a temple deeply tied to the tea ceremony. The temple was founded by the monk Shuho Myocho, who built a small hermitage here in the early 14th century with support from Akamatsu Norimura. In 1325 Retired Emperor Hanazono made it a prayer temple, and it took shape as an imperial temple. Later it stood apart from the official Five Mountains system. It was damaged in the Onin War and revived through the efforts of monks including Ikkyu Sojun. Tea masters such as Murata Juko, Takeno Joo, Sen no Rikyu and Kobori Enshu are all associated with Daitoku-ji. The main gate, Kinmokaku, had its upper story completed and donated by Rikyu; a wooden statue of Rikyu placed there is said to have angered Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The Hojo hall (rebuilt in 1635) and the Kara-mon gate are National Treasures. The south garden of the Hojo is a dry landscape garden designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site, and the Dharma Hall, rebuilt in 1636, is an Important Cultural Property with a dragon painting on its ceiling. The main hall is generally closed to the public, but three sub-temples, Ryogen-in, Zuiho-in and Daisen-in, are open regularly. Koto-in has at times suspended public access, so please check before visiting. Other sub-temples open only during special periods, and fees and hours differ by temple. Autumn foliage and early summer greenery are the best seasons. Allow about two hours to see two or three sub-temples. Kinkaku-ji (about 1.6 km) and Kamigamo Shrine (about 1.9 km) are nearby. Take a Kyoto City Bus to Daitokuji-mae.
Last updated October 24, 2026