Daitokuji Temple

Daitokuji Temple (大徳寺), established in 1315, is a sprawling Zen Buddhist temple complex located in the northern part of Kyoto, Japan. It serves as the head temple of the Daitoku-ji school of the Rinzai sect and is celebrated for its profound cultural significance, exquisite gardens, and traditional architecture. Despite facing destruction during the Onin War, the complex was later revitalized under the guidance of the esteemed Zen monk Ikkyu.

Daitokuji encompasses numerous sub-temples (塔頭), each possessing its own unique history, architectural style, and meticulously crafted gardens. Among the most renowned sub-temples are Daisen-in (大仙院), celebrated for its exquisite rock garden and traditional teahouse, Ryogen-in (龍源院), featuring a picturesque garden with a large pond and teahouse, Koto-in (高桐院), known for its stunning garden adorned with a pond and waterfall, Zuiho-in (瑞峯院), also celebrated for its beautiful garden with a pond and waterfall, and Obai-in (黄梅院), home to a famous dragon painting by the artist Sesshu Toyo.

Beyond these notable sub-temples, Daitokuji houses a vast collection of cultural artifacts, including Buddhist statues, paintings, and calligraphy. The temple has also played a pivotal role in the development of Japanese tea ceremony, with many influential tea masters, including Sen no Rikyu, having trained or resided within the complex.

While many of the sub-temples are not regularly open to the public, they occasionally offer special public viewings during spring and autumn.

Getting there

By Train

• From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (about 13 minutes, 260 yen)
• From Kitaoji Station, it’s about a 15-20 minute walk

By Bus

From Kyoto Station:

• Take bus No. 205 or 206 and get off at Daitokuji-mae bus stop (about 45 minutes, 230 yen)

From Kyoto Station:

• Take bus No. 9 and get off at Kitaoji Horikawa bus stop (about 30 minutes, 230 yen), then walk about 5 minutes

Details

Hours	10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Admission	Daisenin / Adults: 400 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 270 yen Takatori / Adults: 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 300 yen Zuihoin / Adults: 400 yen
Phone	+81 75-491-0019
Address	53 Murasakino Daitokujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8231
Official Website	https://daitokujidaijiin.com/