Daihikaku Senkō-ji Temple — Attraction in Kyoto

While temple's worship hall is old and shabby, its Buddhist sitting hall or Zen Practice Hall is super with extraordinary natural view and breezing wind. Visitors have to climb upward steps from river bank or riverbank road to the temple, and it may take a few minutes for step climbing to reach the temple. The slate steps are old and sometimes broken, and visitors should take time for climbing.

Staffs, including Master Monk, are very friendly, while Master Monk can command English without difficulty, although he is not always staying at the temple. It seems that master monk is trying hard in the last few years to renovate the temple building structure and improve temple design and decoration. One of its major funding methods is from its Zen Sitting Course which is offered to Buddhist believers and non-Buddhist believers, including foreigners. Sometimes, foreign visitors would take boat from Togetsu Kyo Bridge and get off the river bank near the temple area.

While visitors can take boat near Togetsu Kyo Bridge area, it is worthy while for tourists or visitors to walk across the bridge and walk along the river bank road [which is relatively narrow and is used by one nearby Hotel for the supply delivery] to the temple, because its river scene is extraordinarily beautiful and its river breeze is relatively comfortable. The walk generally takes 15 minutes before a few minutes of climbing. Temple does charge a moderate admission for the entrance, while it offers tea, free of additional charge, to the visitors. Also, visitors are allowed to walk around the Zen Sitting Room and take photos. If master monk is there, visitors may feel free to chat with master monk, who is very friendly and casual, although he is often bare foot in spring and summer time.

Visitors are also allowed to knock the temple bell three times to liberate themselves.

In my October 2018 visit, I found that temple does add a few wood benches along the slate step trail for visitors to take a break while climbing up, about 5 to 8...

This is a small Buddhist temple that requires a bit of a walk and climb to get to.

There is a small entrance fee, the view is beautiful both along the river and from the temple, and the monk was very friendly.

My friend and I made it into the temple and was directed to the room where the monk was actually in the middle of speaking to a tour group. We benefited from the English tour guide and translator who was translating for the group. This was followed by two brief meditations and tea served with a sweet.

I felt bad because my impatient friend wanted to leave during the first meditation and we snuck out, the monk politely invited us back in. She ended up sneaking out again but I stayed for the second meditation. It wasn’t that long, I felt it was incredibly rude to leave in the middle. The whole prayer, tea and meditation probably took about an hour, which wasn’t too long. I enjoyed the history and basic principals of Buddhism the monk shared. It was also a chance to rest my feet after the 3+ hours I spent walking and climbing that morning.

Set your expectations, there is no grand halls or shrines in this temple. Based on what the monk shared, he volunteered to take this temple over about 30 years ago when it was abandoned. There was an 800 year old Kannon statue but I didn’t get a chance to see it.

I would totally visit this temple again next time. Be aware the trail at the top near the temple is quite steep and some areas had crumbling stairs, not easy to walk. Those with difficulty walking can use one of the walking sticks outside the temple. Not wheelchair accessible as far...

A sign indicated that the right route was closed, so I took the left route instead. At the trailhead, a monk working nearby cheerfully told me, "Once you reach the summit, you can see Kyoto Tower!" Encouraged, I began my ascent.

Just before reaching the summit, I came across a bell and an offering box. Assuming this was the place to pay, I tossed in what I assumed was the admission fee—only to find a proper reception just ahead, where I was required to pay again. This double-layered setup felt rather dubious, as if driven by an unwavering attachment to material gain. Now I see—taking the left route leads to this little "surprise."

Inside the main hall, printed sermons were on display, but instead of the wisdom and compassion I expected, the messages felt overwhelmingly negative—more like "This is why you're a failure." While some might call it skillful means, it was far from the true essence of Buddhism.

I had expected to see Kyoto Tower from the summit, as I was told, but the orientation was completely off, leaving me with nothing but mountains. So much for that promise!

That being said, it's a fantastic place for "spiritual training"—if you enjoy trials of patience and disillusionment.

At least the hiking trail is lined with ferns and moss, making it feel cool and refreshing...