Hojuji Temple in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Hojuji is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto near Sanjusangen-do. The temple was for a while the home of the retired emperor Go-Shirakawa (1127 - 1192). His mausoleum can be found behind the temple. Hoju-ji belongs to the Tendai sect of Buddhism.  Explore Ryokans in Kyoto >
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• Hojuji Temple:
• Admission Fee - free

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History

In 989 Hoju-ji was built by Fujiwara Tamemitsu (942 - 992). He was a politician/minister during the Heian period (794 - 1185). The temple was erected to mourn for the souls of his wife and his daughter, Fujiwara Shishi (969 - 985). Shishi was married with Emperor Kazan (968 - 1008) and died during a pregnancy. At that time the temple grounds covered a huge area, which reached from Shichijo Street to Hachijo Street (north to south) and from the base of the Higashiyama mountain range to Yamato-oji-dori Street (east to west). Unfortunately in 1032 Hojuji was destroyed by a fire. Emperor Go-Shirakawa (1127 - 1192) made the decision in 1158 to use this area for his retirement palace. He then restored the Hoju-ji Temple. Later he gave the order to construct Renge-o-in (Main Hall of Sanjusangen-do temple) and the Choko-do temple within the precincts.

Sightseeing spots at the temple grounds

Top:

Entrance gate - The gate has the shape of a Chinese temple, which is really unique.

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Goshirakawain Goseiki Hoyo at Hojuji (1st)
The wooden statue of Emperor Go-Shirakawa is displayed to the public from May 1st to 7th.

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamo Shrines. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which last around 2 hours.

November

Minoshiro Fudoson Taisai at Hojuji (15th)
Enjoy the Fire Festival or Saitoudaigomakyo and watch Yamabushi priests perform all kinds of ritual acts.