Jōshōkō-ji Temple — Attraction in Kyoto

Located in the north suburb of Kyoto is a town called Keihoku ( North Kyoto ). Joshokoji Temple holds a place of historical importance in the area. The temple was established in 1362 by Emperor Kogon of northern dynasty during a period when political power was divided between dynasties of north and south. This Zen temple currently belongs to Rinzai sect of Buddhism. In the middle of havoc of warring period Kogen chose to build his secluded hermitage in this location. This imperial temple takes its origin from Kogen's entrance into priesthood. Upon his return to Kyoto he converted himself into a priest of Zen-sect and altered a nearby temple called Jojyuji and opened this Joshokoji Temple.

Kogen made use of surrounding nature to resemble his garden space around the temple. He named a waterfall Shiratama Izumi ( spring of white dumplings ) and he called its surrounding mountains " Majyurin = Ten thousand trees". It is entirely surrounded by beauty of nature in harmony. The main temple hall is like a labyrinth with each building connected through a long corridor in the middle of beautiful garden space. In its Buddhist Statue Hall there are more than 20 statues along with 3 main statues designated as national treasures.

The temple has been a popular spot for viewing cherry blossom and autumn leaves. In its garden are numerous cherry trees with historical association to the temple. The cherry tree called Kokonoe-sakura ( cherry tree with ninefold cherry flowered ) aged more than 300 years in the garden is designated as natural monument. There is another impressive cherry tree in the garden called “Sakon-no-sakura” said to be shared from...

A quiet and beautiful temple located in the hilly Keihoku area, far away from the busy temples in Kyoto. We saw one of the best cherry blossoms in this temple during our Japan trip. It was truly phenomenal; many photographers with knowledge of the local area head gathered to take photographs, but otherwise the place was bereft of tourists. You can actually feel the peace and tranquility here. There is a zen garden behind the main temple with a stream, whose surface had been covered by the falling cherry blossom petals. It...

While not the most perfectly manicured or grandiose temple grounds, this one definitely feels special. I had the whole area to myself as far as I could tell. There are a couple very old and prestigious trees on the property that would look fantastic in spring. Yet I could see this being a four-season treat with beautiful fall leaves, probably some snow, and a milder heat than Kyoto city in midsummer. Even though I don't know the story of the temple very well, it gives a unique sense of place as you walk up to and around...