Rokkakudo Temple

Rokkakudo Temple is formally named Shiunzan Chōhō-ji and is an independent temple associated with the Tendai tradition. Because the main hall is hexagonal, it has long been affectionately known as "Rokkakudo" (the Hexagon Hall). It is said that when Prince Shotoku visited this area seeking timber to build Shitenno-ji Temple in Osaka, he received a revelatory dream, built a small hexagonal hall, enshrined a Kannon statue, and founded the temple. It is also famous as the birthplace of ikebana flower arrangement. On the north side of Rokkakudo is a pond where Prince Shotoku is said to have purified himself, and beside the pond was a monks’ residence that came to be called "Ikenobo." The Ikenobo lineage, which has served as successive head priests of Rokkakudo, developed many innovations while offering flowers before the Buddha, leading to the establishment of ikebana in the Muromachi period. To the right of the willow tree in the precincts is a hexagonal stone. Because Rokkakudo was once near the geographic center of Kyoto and the stone’s shape resembles a navel, it is called the "Heso Stone." Although it sits right beside Karasuma Street lined with office buildings, Rokkakudo is filled with a calm, unhurried atmosphere. It is also about a 5-minute walk from Nishiki Market.