Jōshōkōji Temple

Overview

Jōshōkōji Temple is a Rinzai Zen temple belonging to the Tenryu-ji school, nestled in the Kyōhoku Ido-cho area of Kyoto's Ukyo Ward. Its mountain name is Daiō Meizan, and its principal image is Shaka Nyorai (the historical Buddha). Its full name is Daiō Meizan Manshu Jōshōkō Zenji. Closely associated with Emperor Kōgon, the temple features a garden said to have been designed by the emperor himself, showcasing diverse beauty across the seasons. The temple's history dates back to the Northern and Southern Courts period, beginning with Emperor Kōgon, the first emperor of the Northern Court. In 1352 (Kan'ō 3/Shōhei 7), he renounced worldly life (became a monk) at the Southern Court's Emperor Go-Murakami's temporary palace in Yamato Province's Kamanase and embraced Zen Buddhism. After returning to Kyoto, around 1363 (Teiji 2), he visited Yamano kuni Shō in Tango Province, entering an abandoned Tendai Buddhist temple called Jōjūji. He then re-established and founded Jōshōkōji Temple. Emperor Kōgon personally designed the garden, incorporating the surrounding landscape as part of the design. He named the mountain behind the temple Sarukiesho (Monkey Return Peak), the waterfall Hakugyokusenn (White Jade Spring), and the entire mountain range Manjūrin (Ten Thousand Trees Forest), selecting ten scenic spots. The emperor passed away two years later and was buried there. Later, Emperor Go-Hanazono donated the temple's surrounding forest (Manjūrin) and 260 *koku* (a unit of rice yield) of salt fields. However, during the Sengoku period (Warring States period), in 1579 (Tenshō 7), the temple was destroyed by fire during a battle involving Akechi Mitsuhide and fell into decline. During the Edo period, it was restored under Emperor Gosui, receiving 50 *koku* of land in Ido Village as a temple holding from Tokugawa Hidetada. By 1788 (Tenmei 8), it had seven subsidiary temples. In November 1869 (Meiji 2), following the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, a stupa from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine was transferred to Jōshōkōji Temple. Jōshōkōji Temple offers a tranquil atmosphere, a perfect escape from the bustle of the city. Enjoy the beautiful scenery throughout the year and immerse yourself in the rich history of this temple connected to Emperor Kōgon. Be sure to visit Jōshōkōji Temple during your trip to Kyoto.