Guide
Jojakko-ji is a Nichiren sect temple located halfway up Mt. Ogura in the Sagano area of Kyoto. It was founded during the Keicho era (1596–1614) by Jojaku-in Nichisho, the 16th head priest of Honkan-ji. The name of the temple is derived from the Buddhist concept of "Jojakko-do," representing an ideal land of eternal tranquility. Often referred to as the "Temple Without Walls," it is characterized by an open, airy landscape that blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature. During the autumn foliage season, the entire mountainside transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color, drawing visitors from around the world.
The history of this temple dates back to the end of the Azuchi-Momoyama period. The main hall is a significant historical structure, having been constructed using the relocated guest quarters of Fushimi Momoyama Castle. The Nio-mon gate was also established by relocating the south gate of Honkan-ji in 1599. The temple grounds house precious artifacts, such as the "Kuruma-goto" (wheel lute) gifted by Emperor Takakura to Kokun, which was later presented to the temple by Kobayakawa Hideaki. Furthermore, this area is historically significant as the site where the famous poet Fujiwara no Teika established his villa, "Shigure-tei," preserving the cultural memory of the Heian period.
Jojakko-ji boasts several structures of immense historical value. The main hall showcases the elegant architectural style of the Fushimi Momoyama era. Another must-see is the "Tahoto" pagoda, a designated Important Cultural Property standing approximately 12 meters tall. The Nio-mon gate houses the Nio statues, which are said to have been sculpted by the legendary Unkei, and are a site of prayer for those seeking relief from ailments of the legs and feet. Other cultural treasures include the Myoken-do, dedicated to Myoken Bosatsu, and the Kasen-shi, which houses statues of poets such as Fujiwara no Teika and Fujiwara no Kane-taka. The harmony between these historic buildings, the pond garden, and the 200+ maple trees creates a truly mesmerizing landscape.
The greatest charm of Jojakko-ji lies in its seasonal transformations. In spring, visitors can enjoy mountain cherry blossoms, weeping cherries, and azaleas. In early summer, the lush "shinryoku" (fresh greenery) provides a refreshing sight. However, the peak season is autumn (October–November), when the temple grounds are bathed in fiery reds and brilliant yellows. This is the quintessential experience for lovers of autumn foliage. To fully appreciate the scenery, we recommend visiting during the bright morning hours or the quiet, contemplative moments of late afternoon, when the light and shadows play beautifully across the architecture and gardens.
Visitors can enjoy moments of spiritual rest and quiet contemplation while wandering through the historic architecture and gardens. Exploring the site of the "Shigure-tei