The first national treasure, this statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva in a pensive position is filled with a mysterious smile.
Many people have been captivated by the beauty of Koryuji Temple, which has been dubbed the Mona Lisa of the Orient.
It is the oldest temple in Kyoto with a history of over 1,400 years and continues to fascinate people today.
As the poet Mitsuo Aida wrote, “When I look at your face, the waves in my heart calm down,” and when you stand in front of the Maitreya Buddha statue, your mind will mysteriously become calm.
German philosopher Karl Jaspers praised it as “a symbol of beauty in the purest, most perfect, and most eternal form of human existence.”
The tranquil grounds are dotted with buildings of great historical value, such as the lecture hall, an Important Cultural Property, and the Jōgū-ōin Taishiden Hall, which enshrines Prince Shotoku, and convey Japan’s Buddhist culture that has continued from ancient times to the present.
In this article, we will introduce the history, highlights, and access to Koryuji Temple.
What kind of place is Koryuji Temple?
Koryuji Temple is the oldest temple in Kyoto and was founded in 603 by Hata no Kawakatsu with the statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva given to him by Prince Shotoku as its principal image.
The main attraction is the Crowned Maitreya Bodhisattva Half-seated Pensive Statue, designated as the first national treasure.
Sitting with one leg down and one hand on her cheek, she is contemplating how to save people in the afterlife , and her beauty has earned her the nickname “the Mona Lisa of the East.”
The temple grounds are dotted with buildings of great historical value, including the lecture hall, an Important Cultural Property, and the Jōgūōin Taishiden Hall, which enshrines Prince Shotoku.
In addition, the Ushi Matsuri, which is held every October, was known as one of Kyoto’s three most unusual festivals, but is now held irregularly.
History of Koryuji Temple
In this chapter, we will take a deeper look into the history of Koryuji Temple.
Founding of Koryuji Temple
Koryuji Temple was founded in 603 by Hata no Kawakatsu with the statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva given to him by Prince Shotoku as its principal image.
It was originally called “Hachioka-dera” and was built in what is now Kitanokamihakubaicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City.
Regarding the circumstances surrounding the founding of the temple, it is said that Prince Shotoku asked his ministers, “I have a sacred Buddha statue. Is there anyone who would like to worship it?” and Hata no Kawakatsu received the statue and built the temple.
Relocation and transition during the Heian period
It was moved to its current location when the capital was moved to Heian-kyo in 794.
Subsequently, most of the temple buildings were destroyed by fire twice, in 818 and 1150 , but were rebuilt both times with assistance from the Fujiwara clan.
The principal image has also changed over the years, from Maitreya Bodhisattva when the temple was first built to Yakushi Nyorai, and currently the statue of Prince Shotoku is the principal image.
From the Edo period to the present
The temple was granted a land estate of 600 koku by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and continued to hold this land into the Edo period.
However, with the start of the Meiji period, temple lands were reduced and many sub-temples were abandoned.
Currently, as an independent Shingon Buddhist temple, it continues to protect valuable cultural assets including the first National Treasure, the Maitreya Bodhisattva half-seated pensive statue .
Highlights of Koryuji Temple
The highlights of Koryuji Temple are three in particular: its precious Buddhist statues, including the first National Treasure, the Maitreya Bodhisattva in a pensive pose; its lecture hall, the oldest structure in Kyoto; and the Jōgūōin Taishiden Hall, which enshrines Prince Shotoku.
In this chapter, we’ll take a closer look at its highlights.
- Maitreya Bodhisattva in a pensive pose
- Important Cultural Property Auditorium
- Prince’s Hall of Kamimiyaoin
National Treasure No. 1 Maitreya Bodhisattva half-legged meditation statue
The Maitreya Bodhisattva statue in pensive pose, also known as the “Mona Lisa of the Orient,” has captivated many people with its mysterious smile.
He is sitting with one leg down, one hand on his cheek, and a smile eternally on his face as he thinks about how to save people in the afterlife.
German philosopher Karl Jaspers praised it as “a symbol of beauty in the purest, most perfect, and most eternal form of human existence.”
It can currently be viewed at the Shinreihoden Hall.
Important Cultural Property Auditorium
The lecture hall, rebuilt in 1165, is known as the oldest building in Kyoto.
Due to its red paintwork, it is also called the “Red Hall,” and inside are enshrined three statues: the National Treasure Seated Amida Nyorai statue, and the Important Cultural Properties Seated Jizo Bodhisattva and Seated Kokuzo Bodhisattva.
The building itself has been designated an Important Cultural Property and is a valuable structure that conveys the architectural style of the Heian period to the present day.
Prince’s Hall of Kamimiyaoin
The Jōmyōōin Taishiden Hall, also known as the “Taishido Hall of Uzumasa,” plays an important role as the main hall of Koryū-ji Temple.
Inside the hall is a 148cm tall standing statue of Prince Shotoku, depicting him at the age of 33.
Prince Shotoku is enshrined in his underwear with a real kimono over it, which shows how Koryuji Temple has flourished as a center of faith in Prince Shotoku.
What is the best season to visit Koryuji Temple?
Koryuji Temple is beautiful in all four seasons, but we especially recommend visiting it from mid- to late November when the leaves change color .
The maple trees planted near the auditorium turn beautiful colors, and the backlit autumn leaves create a spectacular sight.
In spring, the contrast between the azaleas, fresh green leaves, and green maples in the temple grounds is beautiful, and you can enjoy worship in a relaxed atmosphere.
In addition, the Prince Shotoku Fire Festival is held on November 22nd, during which you can see a traditional event in which sacred bamboo is erected within the grounds and tens of thousands of goma wood is burned by worshippers.
If you want to go when there are fewer people, we recommend early morning on a weekday.
There are a lot of tourists especially during the autumn foliage season, but if you visit early in the morning it is relatively empty.
Access to Koryuji Temple
Koryuji Temple can be accessed by several means of transportation, including train, bus, and taxi.
The nearest station is Uzumasa-Koryu-ji Station on the Keifuku Electric Railway (Randen), and the property is a 1-minute walk from the station.
In this chapter, we will look at how to access the temple from Kyoto Station and from Kinkakuji Temple.
Access from Kyoto Station
There are two convenient routes to get to Koryuji Temple from Kyoto Station:
Access by train:
Take the JR Sagano Line to Uzumasa Station, then walk for 13 minutes to reach the venue.
Access by bus:
Take Kyoto Bus Route 72 or 73 from Kyoto Station bus stop and get off at Uzumasa Koryuji-mae. The journey takes about 33 minutes.
Access from Kinkakuji Temple
The following route is commonly used from Kinkakuji Temple to Koryuji Temple.
Bus and train combination
- Take a city bus from Kinkakuji-michi bus stop to Kitano-Hakubaicho Station
- Take the Arashiyama Line from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station
- Change trains at Katabira no Tsuji Station
- Get off at Uzumasa Koryuji Station
The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, including transfer time.
The travel time may vary depending on the bus operation situation.
Koryuji Temple admission fees and hours
Basic information about Koryuji Temple is summarized in the table below.
| 項目 | content |
|---|---|
| location | Kyoto City Ukyo Ward Saga Osawacho 4 |
| Visiting hours | Temple grounds: 6:30-17:30 (6:00-17:30 in summer) |
| Admission fee | Temple grounds: Free Three-site combined ticket: 500 yen (Oidono, Kamosha Museum, Kawai Shrine Museum) |
| Business hours | Museum etc.: 10:00-16:00 |
| parking | West Parking Lot: 300 cars (paid) |
| Estimated travel time | 60-90 points |
* Visiting hours may change depending on the season and events.
Recommended spots around Koryuji Temple
There are many attractive tourist spots scattered around Koryuji Temple.
Here are three that we particularly recommend.
Toei Kyoto Studio Park
This is a Japanese movie theme park located about a 5-minute walk from Koryuji Temple.
Within the grounds, which faithfully recreate the streets of the Edo period, you can enjoy exciting period drama shows performed by Toei actors and ninja training attractions.
A corner of the studio is open to the public, so you may even be able to see the actual filming locations of period dramas.
Houkongo-in
This temple is about a 15-minute walk from Koryuji Temple and is known as a famous lotus spot.
Affectionately known as the “Lotus Temple,” approximately 3,000 lotus plants of 60 different varieties bloom here from late June to early August.
It is popular as a flower temple where you can enjoy a variety of seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, autumn leaves, and camellias.
Osake Shrine
Located to the east of Koryuji Temple, this shrine has ties to the Hata clan.
To the east is Kijimaza Amaterasu Mitama Shrine, known as the “Silkworm Shrine.”
The grounds are home to the only three-pillared torii gate in Japan, and offer a rare example of architectural style.
It has great historical value and is recommended to be visited together with Koryuji Temple.
FAQs about Koryuji Temple
summary
Known as the oldest temple in Kyoto, Koryuji Temple is a historic temple with over 1,400 years of history.
The first national treasure to be designated is the Maitreya Bodhisattva half-seated statue, which has been dubbed the “Mona Lisa of the Orient” for its mysterious smile and continues to fascinate many people.
In particular, during the autumn foliage season, the maple trees around the auditorium take on beautiful colors, allowing you to enjoy worship in a solemn atmosphere.
Another attractive feature is its convenient location, just a one-minute walk from Keifuku Electric Railway Uzumasa Koryuji Station.
Please be sure to visit it when you visit Kyoto.
