Rokudōchinnō-ji

Rokudōchinnō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Higashiyama-ku, situated at the base of Kyoto's eastern hills. The temple grounds include a treasure house holding fifteen religious statues and artworks from various centuries.

Monk Kūya Shōnin established the temple in 963 during a major epidemic that struck Kyoto. His spiritual work helped residents cope with death and grief.

The temple houses a statue of monk Kūya with small Buddha figures emerging from his mouth, representing his recitation of sacred sutras. This portrayal shows how spoken prayers were understood as visible signs of faith.

The temple sits on Gojō-dōri street near Yamatoōji-agaru and is open to visitors every day. Information about ceremonies and artworks is available in several languages.

During the annual Obon festival in August, people ring the Mukae-gane bell to welcome ancestral spirits. This custom connects the world of the living with the realm of ancestors through the sound of the bell.

Location: Higashiyama-ku

Address: 京都府京都市東山区大和大路通四条下ル4丁目小松町595

Website: http://rokudou.jp

GPS coordinates: 34.99845,135.77522

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:25