Jakkouin Temple

Jakkoin is a Tendai Buddhist nunnery in Ohara, Kyoto, traditionally said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku. It is closely associated with the Tale of the Heike: after the Genpei War, Kenreimon-in Tokuko withdrew here, and the famous episode “Ohara Goko” depicts the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa visiting to comfort her. In a fire in 2020, the main hall and the principal statue (a wooden Jizo Bodhisattva) were destroyed. The current main hall has been reconstructed in faithful traditional style, and the principal image has also been restored by the National Treasure Repair Studio of the Art Institute of Japan and is enshrined again in the hall. In autumn, the maple leaves turn the precincts vivid red, drawing many visitors. Sutra-copying and matcha experiences are also available, offering a quiet and reflective time. From Kyoto Station, take a Kyoto bus for a little over an hour to the “Ohara” bus stop, then walk about 15 minutes up a narrow slope through a residential area. Note it lies in the opposite direction from the Sanzen-in area; walking between Sanzen-in and Jakkoin takes about 30 minutes.