Daitokuji Temple

Daitoku-ji Temple is the head temple of the Daitokuji School of Rinzai Zen Buddhism in Kita Ward, Kyoto. It is usually closed to the public, and temple treasures are opened for special viewings at limited times. Although Daitoku-ji is known for its grand temple complex, it began on a small scale, originating from a modest cloister that Shuho Myocho built in Murasakino in 1319 (Gen’o 1). Supported by the retired Emperor Hanazono and Emperor Go-Daigo, Myocho rose to prominence and was ranked alongside Nanzen-ji, but during the Ashikaga era the temple was removed from the Five Mountain system and endured a difficult period. Within the earthen-walled precincts are 21 sub-temples, and the complex holds many cultural properties from the Muromachi through Edo periods, including tea houses, gardens, and fusuma paintings. The Sanmon Gate is also known for the story that Sen no Rikyu, who completed its upper story, enshrined a wooden statue of himself there, angering Toyotomi Hideyoshi and leading to Rikyu being ordered to commit seppuku. The Hojo, once the abbot’s residential quarters, is an early Edo-period building, and within it, 84 painted panels by Kano Tan’yu remain in their original form. If you get off at the city bus stop Daitoku-ji-mae, the South Gate is right in front of you, but it takes about a 10-minute walk to reach the Hojo.