Bishamon-do Temple

Bishamon-do is an ancient Tendai Buddhist temple in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, with the mountain name Gohōzan and temple name Izumo-ji. Its name comes from enshrining Bishamonten, one of Kyoto’s Seven Lucky Gods, as the principal deity. It is one of the five Tendai “Monzeki” temples in Kyoto and is also known as Yamashina Bishamon-do or Bishamon-do Monzeki. Access is about a 20-minute walk from Yamashina Station (JR and Kyoto Municipal Subway) or Keihan Yamashina Station (Keihan). According to temple tradition, it was founded in 703 (Taiho 3) by the monk Gyoki. It was originally built in Kamigyo Ward but, after periods of conflict, was restored at the current location in the early Edo period. The main hall dates to 1666 (Kanbun 6) and houses the principal image of Bishamonten. The Reiden (spirit hall) was built in 1563 (Eiroku 6) as a mausoleum for the Imperial Palace; it was later granted by Emperor Gosai and relocated here, and enshrines Amida Nyorai at the center along with many sculpted figures. Bishamon-do is especially famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in late fall; visitors can also enjoy seasonal changes in its garden called Bansui-en.