Daitoku-ji Temple — Attraction in Kyoto

Daitoko-ji temple is a wonderland. I wish I had more time to spend here. I was here for 3 hours, but could have spent several more. It is a large temple complex with many buildings and gardens to explore, all of them quite different from the next. I went in late summer and it was beautiful. There were not too many people here. I also got to explore one of the private gardens that is not usually open to visitors and it was worth the added expense. Some of the gardens require a small fee to enter, and it is cash only so bring some cash with you. Most of them range from ¥400 - ¥1000, and are worth it to explore. There is a world-class Bonsai exhibit, which was the highlight of my visit, as I am an avid gardener and intermediate...

We did not visit the gardens because it was unfortunately too late when we got there but the entire area was by itself just worth the visit.

There is such a sense of peace when walking the paved alleys of the Daitoku-ji Temple and the many buildings scattered around are just so beautiful.

There was also a gated area with big bamboo, unfortunately it was closed but if you have a chance it looked formidable from its entrance.

Overall I would definitely recommend coming here with more time at your disposal so that you can also visit the bonsai and zen gardens (which you will be able to...

I've loved coming here since first visiting many years ago. It is overlooked by most visitors but has a wide range of interesting temples and gardens, each with their own distinct personality. Daitokuji is a cloister of temples rather than a single temple and be aware that each temple has different opening days & times, features, and entrance fees. Some offer public zen meditation sessions, so look it up and check the available dates.

Point docked purely because entrance fees at the temples are steep and stack up as they each charge individually rather than...