Gansen-ji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Kamo-cho, part of Kizugawa City in the southernmost part of Kyoto Prefecture. Thought to have been built in 729, the name "Gansen-ji" translates literally to "Rock Boat Temple" and near the entrance of the temple’s main gate is a boat-shaped rock, where legend has it that priests used the rock for sacred cleansing rituals. Nestled in the pristine nature of Kyoto's tea producing region, the three-storied pagoda on the temple grounds is a designated Important Cultural Property and the main hall maintains an ancient yet elegant charm. Gansen-ji Temple is famous for its displays of bright hydrangeas, water lillies, and crape myrtle flowers in the summer. Gansen-ji is truly a sight to see in any of the four seasons, though, with Japanese plum and cherry blossom trees blooming in the spring, autumn foliage, and camelias in the winter.
- Tel
- 0774-76-3390
- Address
- 43 Kaminomon, Iwafune, Kamo-cho, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Access
- Train:
From Kamo Station on the the JR Yamatoji Line, take the Kizugawa Community Bus towards Kamoyamano-ie for approximately 16 minutes, and get off at "Gansenji" bus stop.
From Nara Station on the JR Kintestu line, either
1) take Nara Kostu Bus to Joruriji, approximately a 26-minute ride, get off at "Joruriji" bus stop and take the Kizugawa Community Bus (bound for JR Kamo Station) for approximately 7 minutes to "Gansenji" bus stop.
*Buses to Joruriji run annually during April, May, and November.
2) Take Nara Kostu bus (bound for Shimosagawa/Hiro-oka) for approximately 25 minutes, get off at "Gansenjiguchi" bus stop and walk for about 30 minutes. - Business Hours
- March - November: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (entrance until 4:45 p.m.) / December - February 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (entrance until 3:45 p.m.)
Closed on: Open all year-round - Parking
- *No parking, use nearby private parking
