Daikaku-ji, Buddhist temple in Sagano district, Kyoto
Daikaku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, composed of several structures linked by raised wooden corridors, with sliding screens bearing Kano school paintings. The entire compound spreads around open courtyards and includes an artificial pond with pathways along its shores.
The site originated as Emperor Saga's imperial villa during the early ninth century. Following the emperor's death, Princess Masako converted the estate into a Buddhist sanctuary in 876.
The compound holds imperial palace status, and rooms throughout reflect how court life shaped religious architecture. Flower arrangers continue their practice here, linking centuries-old courtly traditions with devotional life.
The temple lies a 15-minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station and opens daily between 9:00 and 17:00. Different buildings and garden sections require separate admission.
Osawa Pond was created more than 1,200 years ago as one of Japan's earliest man-made water features designed for boating. Its layout follows Chinese models and demonstrates early continental influence on Japanese garden design.
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