Gio Ji Temple Guide: History, Culture, Entrance Fees, Hours

Gio-ji Temple: A Serene Retreat in Kyoto

Nestled in the tranquil Arashiyama area of Kyoto, Gio-ji Temple is a small yet enchanting Buddhist temple known for its stunning moss garden and rich historical significance. This temple offers a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle, making it a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection to nature.

History of Gio-ji Temple

Gio-ji Temple's history is deeply intertwined with the tragic tale of Gio, a beautiful dancer from the 12th century. Gio became the mistress of Taira no Kiyomori, a powerful military leader of the Heike clan. When Kiyomori ended their relationship, Gio retreated to this temple along with her sister, mother, and another of Kiyomori's spurned lovers. They spent the rest of their lives as Buddhist priestesses, and the temple was named in honor of Gio.

The temple's association with the Heike clan and its role in Japanese literature, particularly in "The Tale of the Heike," adds to its historical significance. Today, the temple stands as a monument to Gio's story and the Heike clan's fall.

Cultural Significance

Gio-ji Temple is part of the Sagano scenic area and is famous for its thatched-roof main hall and beautiful moss garden. The temple grounds are especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves change colors, standing in sharp contrast to the green moss. The moss garden, which blankets the ground in vibrant green, is a favorite among visitors. It provides a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for quiet reflection.

Inside the temple, visitors can find a statue of Dainichi Nyorai, the Buddha of Light, as well as wooden statues of Gio and her companions. These statues are enshrined in the main hall, offering a glimpse into the temple's past.

Entrance Fees and Hours

Visitors to Gio-ji Temple need to pay an entrance fee, which helps with the maintenance of the temple grounds and the preservation of its historical features. The entrance fees are as follows:

• Adults: 300 yen
• Children (Primary, junior high school, and high school students): 100 yen

The temple is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM. It is closed during the New Year period.

How to Get to Gio-ji Temple

Gio-ji Temple is accessible by various means of transportation:

• By Train: The nearest stations are JR Saga-Arashiyama Station and Keifuku Electric Railway’s Arashiyama Station. It takes about 20-25 minutes to walk from these stations to the temple.
• By Bus: From JR Kyoto Station, take the City Bus No. 28 and get off at Saga Shakado-mae, from where it is a 10-minute walk to the temple. Alternatively, from Hankyu Railway’s Shijo Kawaramachi Station, take the Kyoto City Bus No. 11 and get off at Saga Elementary School-mae, from where it is about a 15-minute walk.

Highlights of Gio-ji Temple

Moss Garden

The moss garden at Gio-ji Temple is one of its main attractions. The garden features a wide variety of mosses, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the soft, spongy moss underfoot and the gentle sound of leaves rustling in the breeze. The garden is especially stunning in the rainy season when the moss is at its most vibrant.

Circular Window (Yoshino Window)

Located in the waiting room of the thatched hut, the circular window known as the "Yoshino Window" is a piece of Japanese architecture that harmonizes with nature. The sunlight streaming through the window frames the greenery and bamboo grove outside, creating beautiful colors on the shoji screens, earning it the nickname "Rainbow Window".

Nearby Attractions

Gio-ji Temple is within walking distance of several other notable temples, including Nison-in Temple, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, Jojakko-ji Temple, and Tenryuji Temple. Visitors can explore these nearby attractions to deepen their understanding of Kyoto's rich cultural and historical landscape.

Tips for Visitors

• Pets: Pets, excluding guide dogs and hearing assistance dogs, are not allowed to enter the temple grounds.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The temple is not wheelchair accessible.
• Joint Admission Ticket: For those planning to visit both Gio-ji and Daikakuji Temples, a joint admission ticket is available for 600 yen, which saves 200 yen compared to paying for each separately.