Komyo-ji Temple was first built in 1198 by the soldier Kumagai Naozane in an area favored by his master Honen. Today, it the head temple of the Seizan sect of Pure Land Buddhism. Visitors can tour the temple itself and see the beautiful sights inside, as well as those of the garden. The temple has an excellent collection of Buddhist artwork and statues, which are on display to visitors. Inside the Mie Hall, the principal statue is papier-mâché, and it is said that Honen made it himself by dipping a letter from his mother in water.
When you enter the temple main gate, the road is divided into two. The gentle slope leading to the main hall on your right is called “Omotesando.” This approach is designed so that both women and the elderly can easily climb it and is known as the “women’s slope.” The road from “Chokushimon Gate” to “Somon Gate” on the left is commonly known as the "Maple Path," and in the fall the autumn leaves on both sides of the approach, which stretches for about 200 meters, make a brightly colored tunnel of fall colors. The path is one of the most famous spots for autumn leaves in Kyoto.
- Address
- 26-1 Aosaijonai, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Access
- Get off at "Nagaokakyo Station" on the JR Kyoto Line or "Nagaoka Tenjin Station" on the Hankyu Kyoto Line and board the Hankyu Bus, and get off at "Asahigaoka Home Mae"
- Business Hours
- 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. / Open every day
- Price
- Free except 500 yen during the Fall Leaves Season
- Parking
- *Please use public transportation to visit the temple
