Another Kyoto Official Travel Guide

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Shakuzen-ji Temple

Shakuzen-ji, located outskirts of Kameyoka city, is a temple of the Nishiyama Zenrinji School of the Jodo Buddhism. It is believed to have been built before 1190 but records have been destroyed in many fires so the exact date is not known. According to folklore, The temple was built by a close vassal of Sugawara no Michizane, or Tenman-Tenjin, who is revered as the "Kami of Learning" in Shinto.
On the grounds, rocks called "Sakuraishi" that looks like a cherry blossom petal when a cross section is cut into the rock can be found. This beautiful pattern is a result of contact between granite and slate during the rocks formation. This feature is designated as a national natural memorial in Japan. Shakuzen-ji is also a hidden spot for autumn leaves and what sets it apart for the others is the wide range of fall colors with golden yellows, orange, and red mixing all around. Particularly beautiful is the long stairway to the temple and the attached shrine.