Jojakkoji Temple 常寂光寺

Established at the end of the 16th century, Jojakkoji is a Nichiren temple situated on the side of Mt. Kokura, on Kyoto's western edge. The temple is famous for its autumn leaves.

Reach Jojakkoji Temple by bus, then on foot.

The temple is a 20-minute walk from Keifuku Arashiyama Station, 35 minutes from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, or 15 minutes from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.

The steep stairway upwards from the thatched Niomon (a gate with Buddhist statues standing at either side) leads to the temple's main hall, which enshrines a Buddhist image and the Myokendo. The Tahoto pagoda also contains a number of beautiful Buddhist images. Both buildings face the mountains and make the most of the surrounding scenery.

The temple pagoda, designated by the national government as an Important Cultural Property, is a relatively new structure, constructed in the 17th century, yet was built in the gorgeous Momoyama style of a century earlier. The pagoda affords a spectacular view of the city of Kyoto.