Jōjū-ji (浄住寺)

Jōjū-ji (浄住寺)

Joju-ji was founded in the 9th century, but as you can imagine the temple burned and was rebuilt several times so that little (read: none) of the original structures remain. This is not a major issue here, for the buildings of Joju-ji are not particularly interesting. What is very interesting, however, is the maple covered alley that goes from the street to the main hall. Obviously, autumn is the best time to see this temple, but the new green leaves are also beautiful (aomomiji - 青紅葉). Moreover, Joju-ji is a much better deal than its neighbour Jizo-in (地蔵院) (aka the bamboo temple): not as crowded during the peak season, free to enter (Jizo in is 600 yen!) and much more beautiful autumn colours. Recommended!

Recommended for: Access:

Nearby: Jizō-in 地蔵院 (210m), Kaguyahime Takegoten かぐや姫御殿 (400m), Saihō-ji / Koke-dera 西芳寺・苔寺 (430m), Suzumushi-dera 鈴虫寺 (530m)

External links: ウィキペディア, Kyoto Navi, 京都風光, そうだ京都, Satellite view, Map

Keywords: Japan, 日本, Japon, Kyoto, 京都, Nishikyo, 浄住寺, joju-ji, temple, 寺院, 仏閣

Statistics: visited on 3 occasions, id 459, 6 photos (8 extra photos can be found in the archive).

Photos of Jōjū-ji:

Carefuly aligned coins at the foot of jizo statues, Joju-ji temple
Sublime autumn colors at the entrance of Joju-ji temple, Kyoto, Japan
Two photographers entering Joju-ji temple at the peak of the autumn colours, Kyoto, Japan
A small touch of colour from a blooming azalea in Joju-ji temple garden, Kyoto, Japan
Stairs in green forest leading to Joju-ji temple, Kyoto, Japan