Jikishi-an Temple: A Secluded Hermitage in Arashiyama
Discover tranquility at Jikishi-an Temple in Arashiyama: a serene escape into a bamboo forest with a rich history and peaceful atmosphere.
Jikishi-an Temple, established in 1646, began as a hermitage for the priest Dokushoshoen. After the Meiji Restoration, it transformed into a Jodo sect convent, offering refuge and a space for Zen meditation to distressed women. The temple's name, Jikishi-an, is derived from the Zen practice of observing dead pine branches falling into a pond. Rebuilt in 1899 after a fire, the small, thatched-roof hermitage exudes a sense of peaceful simplicity. The temple is surrounded by a bamboo forest, providing a secluded and calming environment. Unlike the more crowded bamboo groves in Arashiyama, Jikishi-an offers a quieter, more intimate experience. Inside the main hall, visitors can explore a collection of over 5,000 guest books dating back to 1965, offering a glimpse into the thoughts and feelings of past visitors. The temple grounds also feature Aiai Jizo statues, believed to bring good luck in marriage, a statue of memorial Kannon, and a dojo practice hall. Jikishi-an is also known as a place for mizuko-jizo, small stone statues placed by parents of stillborn or aborted children. The temple is known for its vibrant foliage, especially during fall.
Local tips
- Visit during the fall foliage season for a spectacular display of colors.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the temple grounds and surrounding paths.
- Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Daikaku-ji Temple for a full day of exploring the Saga area.
- Be mindful of the local wildlife, especially spiders, when visiting during summer and autumn.
A brief summary to Jikishi-an Temple
- 3 Kitasaga Kitanodancho, Kyoto, Kitasaga Kitanodancho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8441, JP
- +8175-871-1880
Getting There
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Walking
From Daikaku-ji Temple, head north. The walk to Jikishi-an is a short, pleasant stroll through a residential area before entering the bamboo forest. The path is well-marked, and the temple is located at the end of a short valley. Allow approximately 15-20 minutes for the walk.
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Public Transport
From Kyoto Station, take the JR San-in or Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, take a Kyoto City Bus (numbers 11, 28, or 93) to the Daikakuji bus stop. From the Daikakuji bus stop, it is approximately a 15-minute walk to Jikishi-an Temple. Bus fare is approximately ¥230.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Kyoto Station or in the Arashiyama area. A taxi from Arashiyama Station to Jikishi-an Temple will take approximately 10-15 minutes. The estimated cost is ¥3,300-4,000. Taxis can drop you off near the entrance to Daikaku-ji Temple, from where you can walk to Jikishi-an.
Attractions Nearby to Jikishi-an Temple
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Daikaku-ji Temple
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Osawa Pond
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Gohodo Benzaiten
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Seiryō-ji
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Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street
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Bamboo LED lantern making experience in Kyoto Arashiyama
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Hōkyō-in
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Adashino Nenbutsu-ji
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Saga Toriimoto Town-scape Archive Hall
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Kiyotaki Fudō-in Temple
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Mount Atago Observatory
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Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
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Atago-Jinja Shrine Ichi-no-Torii Gate
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Giōji
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Hondo
Landmarks nearby to Jikishi-an Temple
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Jikishi-an Temple
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Mausoleum of Emperor Go-Uda
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Adashino Nenbutsuji
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Tenryu-ji
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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
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Okochi Sanso Garden
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Kimono Forest
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Arashiyama Park Kameyama Area
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Arashiyama Park Observation Deck
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Rankyo Gorge
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Togetsukyo Bridge
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Arashiyama Park Nakanoshima Area
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Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
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Arashiyama
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Hozukyō Station