Daigoji Temple

Daigoji Temple (醍醐寺), located in the Fushimi ward in the southeastern part of Kyoto, Japan, is a Buddhist temple founded in 874 AD by Rigen-daishi Shobo during the Heian period. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple complex covers a vast area and is renowned for its beautiful gardens, considered some of the finest examples of Japanese landscape architecture.

Daigoji Temple is especially famous for its cherry blossoms, attracting large crowds of visitors each spring. The temple also features numerous buildings, including the five-story pagoda, the main hall (Kondo), which is designated as a National Treasure, and several sub-temples. One of the most iconic structures at Daigoji Temple is the Sanbo-in, a National Treasure built in the 16th century, featuring beautiful wall paintings and a stunning garden where Toyotomi Hideyoshi held the famous “Daigo no Hanami” (cherry blossom viewing party). The five-story pagoda at Daigoji is the oldest wooden structure in Kyoto Prefecture.

In addition to these, the temple complex is divided into three areas: the lower area (Shimo Daigo), the middle area (Sanbo-in), and the upper area (Kami Daigo). Each area offers unique historical and cultural experiences, making Daigoji Temple a must-visit destination for those interested in Japanese history, architecture, and natural beauty.

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Getting there
Details

Getting there

By Train and Subway

From Kyoto Station:

Take a JR train to Yamashina Station (5 minutes, 190 yen)
Transfer to the Tozai Subway Line (8 minutes, 260 yen)
Get off at Daigo Station
15-minute walk or short bus ride to the temple

By Bus

From Kyoto Station:

Take Keihan Bus number 301 from Hachijo side
Journey time: 30 minutes
Cost: 280 yen
Frequency: Once or twice per hour

From Yamashina Station:

Take Keihan Bus number 22 or 22A
Journey time: 20 minutes
Cost: 220 yen
Frequency: Every 20 minutes

By Community Bus

From Daigo Station:

Take community bus number 4
Journey time: Short ride
Cost: 210 yen
Frequency: Every 30 minutes

Details

Hours	March 1st to the first Sunday of December / 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM The day after the first Sunday of December to the end of February / 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Reception closes 30 minutes before closing time. Opening hours may vary during the spring period.
Admission	Adults: 1,000 yen Junior high school students and high school students: 700 yen Elementary school students and younger: Free
Phone	+81 75-571-0002
Address	22 Daigohigashiojicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 601-1325
Official Website	https://www.daigoji.or.jp/