Kōryū-ji

Kōryū-ji is a Buddhist temple in Uzumasa within Ukyō Ward in Kyoto. It houses numerous ancient Buddhist artworks, including wooden figures and structures from different periods of Japanese architecture.

The temple was founded in 603 by Hata no Kawakatsu and stands as the oldest temple in Kyoto. After fires in 818 and 1150 it was rebuilt several times.

The wooden figure of Bodhisattva Maitreya carries the name Hōkan Miroku and stands among the earliest works registered as a National Treasure in Japan. It shows the development of Buddhist sculpture at a time when this art form first took root on the Japanese archipelago.

You can reach the temple from Uzumasa Station on the Keifuku Arashiyama line or by taking bus number 75 to Ukyokusogochosha-mae stop. The grounds are easy to explore on foot as the paths between buildings are short and clearly laid out.

In the Reihoden building the Miroku-Bosatsu-Hanka-Shii-zo statue sits in half-lotus position with one hand thoughtfully raised to the face. This posture expresses deep contemplation about the future of humanity.

Location: Ukyō Ward

Inception: 603

Founders: Hata no Kawakatsu

Part of: seven great temples founded by Prince Shōtoku, Historical Sites of Prince Shōtoku

Address: 京都府京都市右京区太秦蜂岡町32

GPS coordinates: 35.01550,135.70731

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:04