Daigoji Temple

Daigoji (醍醐寺), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most significant temples of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, situated southeast of central Kyoto at the foot of Mount Daigo. The sprawling temple grounds extend across the entire mountainside, offering visitors a rich blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. At the entrance stands the Sanboin, originally built in 1115 and extensively renovated in 1598 for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's famous cherry blossom viewing party. The Sanboin Garden, meticulously designed in the Momoyama period style, remains one of the highlights, especially during spring and autumn when seasonal colors transform the landscape.

A short walk from the entrance leads to the Shimo Daigo (Lower Daigo) area, where Daigoji’s principal structures are located. Among them are the Kondo Hall, the temple's main worship hall, and Kyoto’s oldest surviving wooden building, the five-story pagoda completed in 951, which stands 38 meters tall. The Reihokan Museum at the base exhibits a valuable collection of Buddhist statues, paintings, and historical documents, offering insight into the temple's over 1,100-year history. Further up the mountain, the Kami Daigo (Upper Daigo) area is accessible via a steep hiking trail, rewarding visitors with secluded temple halls, serene natural surroundings, and panoramic views that can stretch as far as Osaka on clear days.