Daiun-in Temple in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Daiun-in is a Buddhist temple near Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto. The most famous structure of the temple complex is the Gion-kaku tower. The building is with a height of 36 meters an impressive sight. Its design is based on the Yamaboko floats, which were used during the famous Gion Matsuri. Entrepreneur Kihachiro Okura (1837 - 1928) was the driving force behind the construction of the tower and villa in 1927 (early Showa period). The design was made by well-known Japanese architect Ito Chuta (1867 -1954). He rebuilt for example the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo in 1958, after it was destroyed in World War 2.

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• Daiun-in Temple:
• Open - opens only on special occasions, usually it is not accessible by the public

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History

The Daiun-in Temple was built in 1587 in memory of well-known and powerful daimyo Oda Nobunaga (1534 – 1582) and his oldest son Nobutada (1557 - 1582). Both committed suicide (seppuku) when suddenly the army of Japanese samurai general Akechi Mitsuhide (1528 – 1582) attacked them at Honno-ji and Nijo Castle. The grave of the legendary thief Ishikawa Goemon (1558 – 1594) can also be found at the temple grounds. He and his son were boiled alive after they tried to kill daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 – 1598). In 1973 the temple was relocated from Teramachi Shijo to its current spot in a land exchange with the Takashimaya department store. The huge Gion-kaku tower was already there and became part of the Daiun-in Temple.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Gion-kaku Tower - The 36-meter tall three-story building was made of reinforced concrete. Inside you will find on the first floor a statue of Amida (who belongs to Pure Land Buddhism) and on the upper floor hangs a peace bell. The ceiling on the third floor displays a bronze relief of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. At the top of the roof is a golden crane installed. Many people complained about the size and shape of the tower during its construction phase.

Main Hall - This two-story building dates back to 1973. It was constructed using reinforced concrete. The Main Hall houses a seated statue of the Amida Buddha.

Makuzu-so Villa - The house was built in 1927. The main material used was wood except for the bedroom where enforced concrete was the material of choice.

South Gate - The original main gate dates back to 1807.

Main Gate (East Gate) - This gate has an interesting history. It was part of the Hotel New Otani in Tokyo before it was relocated to Kyoto.

Belfry (Bell Tower) - The beautiful Bell Tower was originally located at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and in 1871 transferred to Daiun-in. The large bell came from the nearby Yasaka Shrine as a donation of Toyotomi Hideyori (1537 – 1598).

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

June

Aoba Matsuri (Green Leaf Festival) at Chishaku-in (15th)
The festival is an ancient ritual of followers of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, which is called Yamabushi. They participate in a series of ceremonies like celebrating the birth of founder Kobo-Daishi (744 - 835).

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.