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Temples & Shrines

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Tucked away in the edge of Kyoto, is a small nunnery rather than a temple. Covered in moss and located next to a bamboo grove, Gioji is the site of a quaint retreat belonging to a Shingon sect temple appearing in Heike Monogatari (Tale of the Heike).

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Tucked away in the edge of Kyoto, is a small retreat. Covered in moss and surrounded by a bamboo grove, Gioji is a great escape from the crouds. A Shingon sect temple appearing in Heike Monogatari (Tale of the Heike). Gio, a dancer of the Heian period, was in love with Taira-no-Kiyomori, the head of the Heike clan. Spurned by him Gio and her sister Ginyo, took refuge here and became nuns, devoting their lives to Buddhist spiritual practice. One can see wooden statues of Taira-no-Kiyomori, Gio, Ginyo and others. The stone gorin-to (stupa of 5 elements representing earth water fire wind air) is said to be the grave of Taira-no-Kiyomori. Gio and Ginyo are enshrined at the hokyo-in. This is the stone pagoda with ear-shaped projections from the corners of the roof. The temple is famous for its autumn leaves. In April you can look through the circle shaped window of the convent and appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms, and in autumn, red and yellow maple leaves color the moss-covered garden. In late May the garden turns a refreshing green