Komyo-ji Temple, located in Aohiroya at the foot of Nishiyama, is the “roots of the Jodo sect” where Honen Shonin, the founder of the Jodo sect, first preached the teachings of Nembutsu.
The temple has a history of over 800 years since it was founded by Kumagai Jiro Naozane, a military commander in the Genpei War, who became a monk.
Also known as “Maple Temple,” the approximately 500 maple trees paint the approach to the temple crimson red in autumn.
As the head temple of the Nishiyama Jodo sect, it still attracts believers, and magnificent buildings welcome us, including the Goei-do Hall, which houses the papier-mache portrait of the monk Honen, said to have been his own creation.
In this article, we will explain in detail about Komyo-ji Temple.
What kind of place is Komyo-ji Temple?
Komyo-ji Temple is the head temple of the Seizan Jodo sect of Buddhism, located in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture.
It is known as the “roots of the Pure Land sect,” where Honen Shonin, the founder of the Pure Land sect, first preached the teachings of Nembutsu.
The temple’s origins date back to 1198, when Kumagai Jiro Naozane, famous for his role in the Genpei War, became a monk and established the Nembutsu Sammaiin temple here .
The name “Komyoji Temple” comes from the miracle of the light that emanated from the remains of Saint Honen.
The vast grounds are dotted with 33 buildings, including the Goei-do Hall and the Amida Hall, 17 of which have been designated as cultural properties of the city.
Especially in the autumn when the leaves change color, the approximately 200-meter approach to the shrine, known as “Momiji Sando,” is covered with about 250 maple trees, creating a breathtakingly beautiful sight.
It is one of Kyoto’s best spots to see autumn leaves and is visited by many people.
History of Komyo-ji Temple
Komyo-ji Temple, the head temple of the Nishiyama Jodo sect, has a history spanning over 800 years.
It is the sacred place where Honen Shonin first preached the teachings of Nembutsu, and it is also the temple founded by Kumagai Naozane, a warlord of the Genpei Warring States period, after he became a monk.
Afterwards, after going through the crisis of the Karoku persecution, the temple was renamed “Komyoji Temple” and developed as the center of the Seizan Jodo sect.
Let’s take a look at its history, which has overcome numerous disasters and wars to reach the present day.
The origin of the Jodo mon temple and the founding of the monk Rensho
The beginning of Komyo-ji Temple is deeply connected to Honen Shonin, the founder of the Jodo sect of Buddhism.
In 1175, when Honen Shonin was 43 years old, he preached the teachings of Nembutsu for the first time in this place, Ao.
This was the fulfillment of a promise made by the young Honen to Takahashi Shigeemon, a wealthy man from Awo, when he descended from Mount Hiei: “When you find the true teaching, please preach it to us first.” This was the fulfillment of that promise 20 years later.
Later, in 1198, Kumagai Jiro Naozane, who was troubled by the fact that he had killed Taira no Atsumori in the Genpei War, became a disciple of Honen Shonin, took the name Horikibo Rensho, and founded Nembutsu Sammaiin Temple in this place.
He looked up to Honen as the first founder of the temple, and built the foundations of the temple as the second founder himself.
Miraculous Light and the Origin of the Temple’s Name
The reason why “Nenbutsu Sammaiin” came to be called “Komyoji” comes from a miracle that occurred after the death of Shonin Honen.
Honen Shonin passed away in 1212, but opposition from the old Buddhist forces continued even after his death, and in 1227, warrior monks from Mount Hiei plotted to destroy Honen’s grave in Higashiyama Otani.
Upon learning of this crisis, his disciples secretly moved his remains to Saikoji Temple in Uzumasa.
On the night of January 20th of the following year, 1228, a miraculous event occurred in which several beams of light were emitted from the sarcophagus, illuminating the Nembutsu Sammaiin Temple in Aono, located to the southwest.
His disciples took this as an omen that Honen’s remains should be moved to this place, so on the 25th of the same month, they took his remains to Nembutsu Sammaiin Temple and cremated them.
In commemoration of this miraculous sight, Emperor Shijo bestowed the name “Komyoji” on the temple plaque, and the temple has since been called by that name.
As a base for the Nishiyama school
Komyo-ji Temple was later inherited by Shoku (Seizan Shonin), a senior disciple of Honen Shonin, and his disciples, and developed into a center of Seizan sect teachings.
After Shoku became the fourth abbot of Komyo-ji Temple in 1238, the temple was established as a base for the Seizan Jodo sect.
From the Muromachi period through to the Edo period, the shrine was deeply revered by the Imperial family and was considered so important that it received imperial decrees from Emperor Go-Kashiwabara and Emperor Ogimachi.
However, its history has not been smooth, as it has been burned down and rebuilt many times due to wars such as the Onin War and fires.
Many of the main structures that remain today were reconstructed between the mid-Edo period and the 19th century.
In the Meiji era, it became the western head temple of the Jodo sect Seizan school in 1876, but in 1919 it split into three sects due to differences in interpretation of doctrine, and the Jodo sect Seizan Komyo-ji school (later the Seizan Jodo sect), with Komyo-ji as its head temple, was established, and has continued to this day.
Highlights of Komyo-ji Temple
Komyo-ji Temple, the head temple of the Seizan Jodo sect, has many attractions, including buildings of great historical value and beautiful natural scenery.
The temple is particularly crowded with tourists during the autumn foliage season, but is also attractive in other seasons.
Here we will introduce three highlights that you should pay particular attention to when visiting Komyo-ji Temple.
Please enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons, the precious cultural assets, and the space where you can feel the history of faith.
Highlights of Komyo-ji Temple
- Maple-leaf approach and seasonal scenery
- Miedo Hall and the belongings of Saint Honen
- Shakado and “Shaka Nyorai with sunburned cheeks”
Maple-leaf approach and seasonal scenery
The most famous sight at Komyo-ji Temple is the “Momiji Approach.”
After entering the main gate, the approach to the shrine branches off to the left and stretches for about 200 meters, lined on both sides with approximately 250 maple trees, some of which are over 150 years old.
This approach to the temple, constructed in 1854 (Kaei 7) at the end of the Edo period to commemorate the 650th anniversary of the death of the temple’s founder, Rensho Hoshi, was not the product of mere chance; it was a landscape that was carefully planned and constructed by the head priest at the time with an eye to the future .
In autumn (usually from mid-November to early December), the maples all turn red at once, spreading their branches to cover the approach to the shrine, forming a breathtaking crimson tunnel.
The sight of fallen autumn leaves covering the stone pavement is also particularly picturesque.
In addition to the maples, this is a place where you can enjoy the natural beauty of every season, such as cherry blossoms in spring, green maples in early summer, and snowy scenery in winter.
Miedo Hall and the belongings of Saint Honen
The central building of Komyo-ji Temple, the Goei-do Hall, is the main hall that was rebuilt in 1754.
It is the largest wooden building in Nagaokakyo City and one of the largest Jodo sect temples in Kyoto.
Although it does not have many flashy decorations, it is an intricately constructed structure that aims for overall structural beauty.
The principal image enshrined here is a paper portrait called a “Paper Mache Portrait” that is said to have been made by Honen Shonin himself.
According to temple legend, when Honen was exiled to Sanuki during the persecution in 1207, he gave this as a keepsake to his disciple Tanku, and it is said to have been created using a letter from his mother.
The robes worn by the current statue were bestowed by Empress Teimei (Emperor Taisho’s wife).
To the right of the Goei-do Hall is the Amida Hall, which is connected by a corridor. The grounds are dotted with important buildings such as the Shakado Hall and the Honbyo Byo Temple, with these two halls at their center.
Shakado and “Shaka Nyorai with sunburned cheeks”
The Shakado Hall, located to the lower left of the Goei-do Hall, is a building equivalent to the abbot’s quarters that was rebuilt in 1736.
The temple houses a rare Buddha statue known as the “Burnt Cheeked Shaka Nyorai.”
This Shaka Nyorai statue has a unique appearance, holding an iron bowl in its left hand and a shakujo in its right hand, and is given its name due to the burn scars on its cheeks.
There is an interesting legend behind this statue.
Mizujiro, a violent man who once lived in Yodo, became so angry that he pressed a hot iron tong against the cheek of a monk who had come to beg for alms.
However, the monk quietly left, and Mizujiro became suspicious and followed him. When he entered Komyo-ji Temple, he found the same burn mark on the cheek of the Shaka Nyorai statue, the main deity of the temple, that he had given.
It is said that upon realizing that the monk was an incarnation of Shaka Nyorai, Mizujiro had a profound change of heart and began to perform good deeds.
This anecdote has been passed down as a lesson teaching the Buddha’s compassion and the importance of repentance.
What is the best season to visit Komyo-ji Temple?
The biggest attraction at Komyo-ji Temple is undoubtedly the autumn leaves.
The best time to see the maple leaves is usually from mid-November to early December, when the path to the shrine is transformed into a breathtaking crimson tunnel.
During this period, there is a “special autumn foliage entry” fee, and special spots that are usually closed to the public, such as Shigaraki Garden, are also open to the public, so the area becomes bustling with tourists.
However, autumn is not the only thing that Komyo-ji Temple has to offer.
In spring, cherry blossoms decorate the temple grounds, and from May to June in early summer, the lush, fresh green leaves of the Japanese maples are a beautiful sight.
It is a special experience to walk along the quiet approach to the shrine while listening to the birds singing.
The greenery of the trees also provides a cool feeling during the hot summer months.
Komyo-ji Temple changes with each season, making it worth visiting all year round.
Access to Komyoji Temple
Komyo-ji Temple is located at the foot of Nishiyama in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture.
Although it is located a little far from Kyoto city, it can be reached by public transportation.
There are no parking lots available during the autumn foliage season, so it is recommended that you use public transportation.
We will introduce how to access the venue from Kyoto’s major tourist spots.
Access from Kyoto Station
If you are going to Komyo-ji Temple from Kyoto Station, it is convenient to use the JR Kyoto Line.
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Kyoto Line to Nagaokakyo Station (approximately 15 minutes).
After getting off at Nagaokakyo Station, board Hankyu Bus lines 6, 7, 20, or 22 from West Exit bus stop No. 2.
If you get off at the “Asahigaoka Home Mae” bus stop, it is about a 2-5 minute walk to Komyo-ji Temple.
Bus journeys take approximately 15-25 minutes, but this can vary depending on the time of day and route.
There is a municipal parking lot around JR Nagaokakyo Station, and it is recommended to use the park and ride service during the autumn foliage season.
Access from Kinkakuji Temple
To get from Kinkakuji Temple to Komyo-ji Temple, take the city bus, Hankyu train, and Hankyu bus.
From Kinkakuji Temple, take city bus number 12 or number 59 to Shijo-Omiya or Shijo-Karasuma (approximately 30 minutes).
From there, walk to Hankyu Karasuma Station or Omiya Station, then board the Hankyu Kyoto Line and get off at Nagaoka Tenjin Station (about 15 minutes).
From Nagaoka Tenjin Station, take Hankyu Bus No. 6, 7, 20, or 22 from bus stop No. 2 and get off at Asahigaoka Home-mae (approximately 10-16 minutes).
It is about a 2-5 minute walk from the bus stop to Komyo-ji Temple.
You should allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes for the whole trip.
Komyoji Temple admission fee and hours
Below is a table summarizing basic information about Komyo-ji Temple.
| item | Contents |
|---|---|
| location | 26-1, Aosaijonouchi, Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, 617-0811 |
| Visiting hours | 9:00-17:00 *During the autumn foliage season, entry is limited to 16:00 and the gates close at 16:30 |
| Admission fee | ■ Regular season: Free ■ Special autumn foliage entry period (mid-November to early December): Adults: 1,000 yen , Junior and senior high school students: 500 yen , Elementary school students and younger: Free ■ Special opening: Areas that are normally closed to the public, such as the “Shigaraki Garden”, are open to the public (during the autumn foliage period) |
| Goshuin and omamori | Various types available (including red stamps only available during the autumn foliage season) |
| parking | None *Parking is also prohibited on surrounding roads during the autumn foliage season *Park and ride from Nagaokakyo Station West Parking Lot is recommended |
| Estimated travel time | Strolling around the temple grounds: 30 minutes to 1 hour Autumn leaves season: 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest bus stop | Approximately 2-5 minutes walk from the Hankyu Bus “Asahigaoka Home Mae” bus stop |
| Nearest station | ・Approx. 15-25 minutes by Hankyu bus from JR Nagaokakyo Station ・Approx. 10-16 minutes by Hankyu bus from Hankyu Nagaoka Tenjin Station |
| Major annual events | ■ Memorial service (April 19th to 25th) ■ Special entry to view autumn leaves (mid-November to early December) ■ Tsukigama (held every month except January, August, and November) |
| remarks | Komyo-ji Temple is a Jodo sect temple. It is usually free to enter, but during the autumn foliage season a special admission fee is required. The non-public areas are also open to the public. |
Based on the search results, we will create an article about spots around Komyo-ji Temple.
Recommended spots around Komyoji Temple
The area around Komyo-ji Temple is dotted with many historical and culturally fascinating spots.
Along with Komyo-ji Temple, Zenbo-ji Temple and Yanagidani-ji Temple (Yanagidani Kannon Temple), which are collectively known as the “Nishiyama Sanzan” (Three Mountains of the Western Mountains), and Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, known as the shrine to the god of learning, are all must-see sights to visit.
By touring these temples and shrines, which were once connected by mountain paths known as the Nishiyama Old Roads, you can enjoy the rich nature and deep history of the Nishiyama area of Kyoto.
Especially during the autumn foliage season, events such as illuminations are held in various places.
Yoshimine Temple
Located about a 10-minute drive from Komyo-ji Temple, Zenbo-ji Temple is an ancient temple known as the 20th temple of the Thirty-three Kannon Temples of the Western Provinces.
It is the head temple of the Zenbo Kannon sect, whose mountain name is Nishiyama, and its principal image is the Eleven-Headed Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva.
It was founded by the priest Gensan in 1029 and boasts a history of over 1,000 years.
The vast grounds of the temple, covering an area of 10,000 tsubo (approximately 100,000 m2), are a stroll-style garden and are also known as the “Garden in the Sky,” where you can enjoy flowers of all seasons.
The biggest attraction is the Yuryu no Pine, a Japanese white pine tree that is over 600 years old and measures 37 meters in length.
It was named this tree in 1857 (4th year of the Ansei era) because the trunk stretches from side to side as if crawling along the ground, resembling a playing dragon.
This pine tree is designated as a national natural monument. In addition, the pagoda built in 1621 is designated as an important national cultural property, and the temple grounds offer one of the best views in Kyoto, with a panoramic view of Kyoto city and Mount Hiei.
Enjoy the natural beauty of each season, including cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and autumn leaves.
Yanagidani Temple (Yanagidani Kannon)
Located about a 20-minute drive from Komyo-ji Temple, Yokoku-ji Temple’s official name is “Ryūganzan Yokoku-ji Temple” and it is affectionately known as “Yanagidani Kannon.”
It was founded by Enchin Sozu, who also founded Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and has flourished as a branch temple of Komyo-ji Temple, the head temple of the Seizan Jodo sect.
Built on the slope of a mountain, the temple complex connects the inner sanctum and main hall with a long corridor surrounded by a beautiful garden.
Of particular note are the approximately 5,000 hydrangeas that bloom within the temple grounds, and the area bustles with tourists during “Hydrangea Week” in June.
In addition, the sacred water called “Okouzui” associated with Kobo Daishi (Kukai) is said to be effective against eye diseases, and worshippers from all over the country visit the shrine on the 17th of each month.
On this day only, you will be able to view the principal image of the temple, the Eleven-Headed Thousand-Armed Kannon, which is usually closed to the public.
During the autumn foliage season, “Momiji Week” is held, and in recent years the temple has also become known as the birthplace of “flower water basin.”
Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine
Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine, located about a 15-minute drive from Komyo-ji Temple, is a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning.
The main hall was relocated from Heian Shrine in 1941 and was designed by Chuta Ito, professor emeritus of Tokyo Imperial University.
The main hall is built in the Sangensha Nagare-zukuri style and is made of plain wood, giving it a neat, tall and beautiful appearance.
In 2011, it was designated as a tangible cultural property of Kyoto Prefecture.
The biggest attraction within the shrine grounds is Hachijogaike Pond, which spreads out to the east of the shrine. It is an irrigation reservoir built by Prince Hachijo Tomotada in 1638.
The pond has a circumference of about 1 kilometer and a water storage capacity of about 35,000 tons, and the central bank that divides the pond in two is used as the approach to the shrine.
The vibrant colours of the Kirishima azaleas in spring and the beautifully coloured autumn foliage of the Kinkeien garden are popular attractions.
During the autumn foliage season, the shrine is lit up in a way known as “Hanatouro,” and the magical illumination of the path from the large torii gate to the worship hall is a must-see.
It is also known as a shrine for academic success, with many students visiting during exam season.
FAQs about Komyoji Temple
summary
Komyo-ji Temple, the head temple of the Seizan Jodo sect of Buddhism, located in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, is a temple with over 800 years of history as the “roots of the Jodo sect” where Honen Shonin first preached the teachings of Nembutsu.
It was founded by Kumagai Jiro Naozane (Horikibo Rensho), who made a name for himself during the Genpei War, and was named “Komyoji Temple” after the miraculous auspicious light that emanated from the remains of the saint Honen.
The vast grounds are dotted with 33 buildings, including the Goei-do Hall and the Amida Hall, and the principal image enshrined there is a “paper mache portrait” said to have been made by the monk Honen himself.
Especially in the autumn when the leaves change color, the Momiji Sando (maple approach) turns crimson red, attracting many people as one of Kyoto’s most famous spots for viewing autumn leaves.
Be sure to stop by when you visit Kyoto.
