Daihōon-ji

Daihōon-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto, housing the oldest surviving wooden building in the city center. The main hall shows clear traces of past battles, including arrow marks and sword cuts on the timber beams.

Monk Gikū founded this site in 1221 as a religious refuge during politically turbulent times. Several devastating fires during the Ōnin War nevertheless spared the main hall, which today holds National Treasure status.

The name derives from a Buddhist expression for great thankfulness and reflects the teachings of the Tendai school. Visitors today can observe the wooden architecture and see how monks use the grounds for quiet meditation and daily rituals.

The grounds sit in a quiet residential area and are within walking distance from busier streets. The paths are level and easy for most visitors to navigate, while a visit usually takes less than an hour.

A small mound on the grounds honors the wife of a carpenter whose advice during the construction of the main hall enabled a crucial design solution. Her intervention prevented a costly delay and was commemorated with this modest memorial.

Location: Kamigyō-ku

Inception: 1221

Part of: Thirteen Buddhist Sites of Kyoto, New Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage

Address: 京都府京都市上京区七本松通今出川上ル溝前町

Website: http://daihoonji.com

GPS coordinates: 35.03190,135.73990

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30