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Daitokuji Temple 大徳寺

takagamine & murasakino area takagamine & murasakino area
takagamine & murasakino area takagamine & murasakino area

The definition of Zen and a historic center for Japanese tea ceremony

Daitokuji Temple is the largest temple in northern Kyoto and a key site for the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. Walk through the gardens and explore several of the sub-temples to experience the history and beauty of Japan's Zen culture.

Don't Miss

  • The towering Sanmon, or Mountain Gate, built in 1529
  • Visiting the many traditional rock gardens at Daitokuji Temple
  • Enjoying the autumn colors at Koto-in, one of the sub-temples

Quick Facts

The sub-temples were originally erected as patron temples for some of Japan's greatest warrior clans

Daitokuji is considered the spiritual home of the Japanese tea ceremony

How to Get There

Daitokuji Temple is a 15-minute walk from Kitaoji Station on the Karasuma subway line. If you're coming by bus, take bus 101, 205 or 206 from Kyoto Station and get off at the Daitokuji-mae stop.

The history

Within Daitokuji's huge compound are nearly 20 sub-temples, which house a large number of cultural properties. Founded in 1315, this temple was destroyed by fire during the Onin War (1467-1477). Daitokuji was subsequently restored by the famous priest, Ikkyu.

Tea, sub-temples and Zen

The temple eventually developed a relationship with the legendary tea master Sen no Rikyu, who was the teacher of warlords Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Upon Oda's death in 1582, Toyotomi had his predecessor entombed in Sokenin, one of Daitokuji's sub-temples. Other feudal lords followed suit, constructing subsidiary temples for their ancestors. Due to this wealth of support from both the political and merchant classes, Daitokuji became a treasure trove of Zen culture, namely in its gardens and architecture.

The main building

Four of the 20 sub-temples are regularly open to the public, and an additional four have special openings, generally in the high tourist seasons of spring and autumn.

The towering sanmon gate

The towering sanmon gate, built in 1529, is listed as an Important Cultural Property. Sen no Rikyu added the second story, and afterward his disciples placed within it a life-sized statue of their teacher.



* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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