Background

Kōetsu-ji Temple: A Haven of Art and Tranquility

Discover Kyoto's hidden gem: Kōetsu-ji Temple, a serene escape blending art, nature, and history in the tranquil Takagamine district.

4.2

Kōetsu-ji Temple, nestled in Kyoto's Takagamine district, is a serene Buddhist temple that was once an artist colony established by Honami Kōetsu, a renowned artist and calligrapher. Known for its beautiful gardens and teahouses, it offers a peaceful escape from the city.

A brief summary to Kōetsu-ji

  • 29 Takagamine Koetsucho, Kyoto, Takagamine Koetsucho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8466, JP
  • +8175-491-1399
  • Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the autumn foliage season for the most spectacular views of the vibrant maple leaves.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Genko-an Temple and Shoden-ji Temple for a comprehensive exploration of the Takagamine area.
  • Take the Kyoto city bus to Takagamine Genkoan-mae bus stop for convenient access to the temple.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line to Kitaoji Station. Transfer to the #Kita 1 (北1) Kyoto City Bus from Kitaoji Bus Terminal and alight at the Takagamine Genkoan-mae bus stop. The temple is a short 2-minute walk from the bus stop. The subway fare is between 220-350 yen, and the bus fare is a flat rate of 230 yen within the city.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto. A taxi from Kyoto Station to Kōetsu-ji Temple will cost approximately 2,090 JPY. The base fare is 490 JPY for the first 1 km, with an additional 320 JPY per kilometer.

Unlock the Best of Kōetsu-ji

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Kōetsu-ji

Kōetsu-ji Temple, located in the tranquil Takagamine area of northwest Kyoto, offers a unique blend of art, nature, and history. Founded in 1656, the temple was originally the site of an artist colony established by Honami Kōetsu (1558-1637), a versatile artist, calligrapher, and tea master of the Edo period. Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, granted the land to Kōetsu in 1615, envisioning it as a space for artistic collaboration and innovation. Kōetsu transformed the area into a thriving artistic village, attracting craftsmen specializing in various disciplines such as sword polishing, ceramics, lacquerware, and paper making. He was a pioneer in integrating art into daily life, believing that even everyday objects could be elevated through artistic design. After Kōetsu's death, the site became a Buddhist temple of the Nichiren sect, honoring his legacy and preserving his artistic vision. The temple grounds feature seven teahouses, each with its unique design, reflecting Kōetsu's deep passion for the tea ceremony. The Taikyō-an teahouse is a replica of the one where Kōetsu spent his final days. The gardens showcase traditional Japanese landscaping, with stone lanterns, moss-covered pathways, and meticulously arranged plants. A notable feature is the 'Kōetsu-gaki,' a distinctive bamboo fence surrounding one of the teahouses, which has become a signature element of the temple's design. In autumn, the temple is particularly stunning, with vibrant red and gold foliage creating a picturesque scene.

Popular Experiences near Kōetsu-ji

Popular Hotels near Kōetsu-ji

Select Currency