Daikaku-ji Temple

Tourist attraction

★ 4.9 (13K+ reviews) • 304K+ booked

Discover the enchanting Daikaku-ji Temple, a former imperial villa turned spiritual haven nestled in Kyoto's serene Sagano district. This Shingon Buddhist temple, originally a detached palace for Emperor Saga in the early 800s, offers a unique blend of historical grandeur and tranquil beauty. As you explore this historic site, you'll be invited to immerse yourself in Japan's rich cultural tapestry and ancient court atmosphere. Enjoy the picturesque views of the Ōsawa Pond and experience the spiritual tranquility that makes Daikaku-ji Temple a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a deeper connection with Japan's rich history and traditions.

4 Sagaosawacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8411, Japan

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4.9 /5

13K+ reviews

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Andrew *****

1 Jul

Amy did is awesome job of getting the group to the sites we wanted to see. she was helpful in explaining the different areas we went as well as taking pictures if you asked her.

Mary *****

1 Jul

Such a peaceful and scenic ride—perfect for relaxing and soaking in Arashiyama's natural beauty!

클룩 회원

30 Jun

I usually prefer independent travel, so I was reluctant to take a package tour. The schedule is tight, there is little freedom, and sometimes a semi-mandatory shopping schedule is included, so I have always chosen to plan my trips on my own. However, this trip was my boyfriend's last trip to Japan before he leaves for the US for a few years, so I put a lot of thought into the planning and wanted an efficient and satisfying schedule. Then, I found out about the Kyoto bus tour of 'Travel One Bowl' on the internet, and since the reviews from actual users were all positive, I made a reservation with half doubt. To conclude, I was very satisfied. I was able to enjoy the beautiful bamboo forest of Arashiyama, Togetsu-kyo Bridge, the dazzling Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari with its numerous red torii gates, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the symbol of Kyoto. I was able to leisurely enjoy Kyoto's key attractions with ample time. There was almost no time error in the schedule, so I was able to enjoy the trip as planned, which was especially satisfying. Even though I went without any information, the route and explanation were clear, so I was able to tour without any confusion. When I told the guide that the air conditioning seemed weak, he took immediate action and kept checking to see if there were any inconveniences, so I was impressed by the service. The bus was comfortable, the guide was cheerful and kind, and the photo shoots at each photo spot were really sincere. He also told me the best photo spots, so I got a lot of great photos. This was my first time with such a kind guide. Thank you, guide Jeong Sang-hoon! I had no idea where to eat in a new place, but he gave me detailed information about good restaurants, cafes, and souvenirs, so it was much easier and more informative. Thanks to him, I was able to make really precious memories with my boyfriend, and it was a trip full of warm memories. Next time I go to Japan, I want to go to Fukuoka, and I want to use Travel One Bowl again. Thank you for creating memories that will last a long time.

Klook客路用户

30 Jun

I hope you all come to take this photo. The service is great, there are so many choices, the clothes are all new, neat and beautiful, and basically any style can be satisfied. Every clerk has a very good service attitude.

전 **

30 Jun

"You know <Travel One Bowl>? I'm Inma! <Travel One Bowl>, so I ate! I went to a cafe! I went shopping! I went sightseeing! I did everything!" It was really the best trip! Kyoto is a place where it's hard to move between tourist spots. If you just stay in Kyoto for a few days, you can enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto and take your time sightseeing... But what if!!! If you come to Osaka and can't miss Kyoto and stop by for a day, there are so many things you want to see, but you have to wait for the bus. What about a taxi? Oh~ It's so expensive... Especially these days, when the temperature is over 30 degrees and it rains sometimes, it's just stressful. That's what the weather was like when we actually visited... If you brought adults or have children, it would be even more chaotic... In times like this! "Travel One Bowl"'s Kyoto tour was the perfect product. The important explanations are finished on the bus! We only go to the important points together, and from then on, you're free. It was a program that only combined the advantages of a real package and independent travel. Of course, because of the nature of the package, you may not feel like you have enough time... But "Travel One Bowl" has the longest stay time at each tourist site compared to other Kyoto tours. Thanks to that, we were able to take a lot of pictures, eat at a restaurant we had already chosen, visit a cafe twice, and go around cute shops to buy furikake and souvenirs, and eat famous snacks~ Even if you don't have a restaurant or cafe in mind, the guide will give you a map and send you a list of recommendations via KakaoTalk, so don't worry~ If you say, "I'm hot and tired, I want to rest," you can wait in the air-conditioned bus until the other travelers come back~ Also, at Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji, they took pictures with the camera you brought, and they said they would edit them and send them to you~ They even sent you a Japanese fortune-telling translation via KakaoTalkㅋㅋㅋ → Thank you to our guide, Seo Chae-hee, for doing all this! I really recommend it!

Sandra ***********

30 Jun

Unfortunately, it rained heavily on the day of travel, but the ride on the Sagano Romantic Train was still unforgettable. The entire train crew bids you a sweet farewell upon departure, and the conductor tells you all about the route. There's a great little museum and café at the station, and all in all, the ride is highly recommended; the river and the forests are beautiful.

클룩 회원

30 Jun

It's June 30th. I went on a tour with Noh Min-ho as a guide. It's absolutely impossible to do this without a tour in such hot weather. The guide's detailed explanations and ample viewing time were great. The guide's guide to the meals and tea house were also good. I had the very cheap 950 yen cold udon with egg and ma, and it was so delicious. I really appreciate the sense of taking a few pictures for me. My wife really liked Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The temple itself was nice, but it was also appealing to be able to see many places near it. I will recommend this to my friends who couldn't come with me because their reservation schedules didn't match~ Kyoto~! If you want to save time and see everything, go with the Travel One Bowl Tour~~!!

Rosalyn *****

30 Jun

shout out to our tour guide anson. nice and friendly. destinations were great and we were given ample time to visit each. convenient and practical tour. thank you klook!

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Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Osawa Pond

Step into a world of timeless beauty at Osawa Pond, the oldest surviving example of a Shinden-style garden. This 1200-year-old man-made pond is a masterpiece of landscape design, offering breathtaking views that change with the seasons. Whether you're strolling along its serene banks during the cherry blossom season or admiring the vibrant hues of autumn, Osawa Pond provides a perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation. Don't miss the chance to experience this historical gem, where nature and art harmoniously converge.

Heart Sutra Hall

Discover a piece of history at the Heart Sutra Hall, home to a precious handwritten copy of the Heart Sutra by Emperor Saga. This hall is not just a repository of ancient texts but a testament to the enduring power of faith and tradition. The sutra, believed to have ended a mysterious plague, is a symbol of hope and resilience. Although the original is displayed only once every 60 years, the hall itself offers a profound connection to the spiritual heritage of Daikaku-ji. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere and feel the echoes of the past.

Shingyo Pagoda

Embrace the spiritual and historical ambiance of Daikaku-ji at the Shingyo Pagoda. This elegant two-tiered structure commemorates the 1150th anniversary of Emperor Saga's Heart Sutra, standing as a beacon of devotion and reverence. As you explore the temple grounds, the pagoda invites you to pause and reflect on the rich tapestry of history woven into the fabric of Daikaku-ji. Its presence is a reminder of the temple's deep-rooted connections to Shingon Buddhism and the enduring legacy of Emperor Saga.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Daikaku-ji Temple is a treasure trove of Japanese history, having been the backdrop for significant peace talks in the 12th century that helped reunite the Northern and Southern Imperial Courts. This temple is also immortalized in the Tale of Genji, offering visitors a window into the opulent court life of ancient Japan. Additionally, it has served as a residence for several emperors and is the headquarters of the Saga Go-ryū school of ikebana, showcasing its profound cultural influence.

Architectural Beauty

The architectural charm of Daikaku-ji Temple is truly captivating. Its buildings are connected by elevated wooden walkways, reminiscent of the 'nightingale floors' found in Nijojo's Ninomaru Palace. The corridors emit a gentle squeak as you walk, adding a unique auditory experience to your visit. The temple is adorned with painted sliding doors by the renowned Kano school, enhancing its artistic allure.

Art and Architecture

The Daikaku-ji Temple complex is a showcase of exquisite art and architecture. Notably, the main hall and Founder's Hall were relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, bringing with them a rich history. The intricate paintings and structures reflect the artistic heritage of the Edo period, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Historical Significance

Originally constructed as an imperial villa for Emperor Saga, Daikaku-ji Temple has played a pivotal role in Japan's history. It was the site of crucial peace talks during the Namboku-cho period and served as a residence for the Imperial family, cementing its place in the annals of Japanese history.

Cultural Heritage

Daikaku-ji Temple is a beacon of cultural heritage. Its shinden, a palace used daily by the emperor, is recognized as an Important Cultural Property. Meanwhile, the Osawa-no-Ike Pond is designated as a National Historic Site, underscoring the temple's deep cultural roots and significance.

Daikaku-ji Temple