A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the five-storied pagoda is the oldest wooden structure in Kyoto.
Daigo-ji, one of the largest temples in Kyoto is located in southeastern Kyoto. The temple was originally established in the 9th century, and restored in the 16th century by the hegemon Toyotomi Hideyoshi (the supreme leader of Japan at that time).
This vast temple precinct is divided into the area on top of the mountain and the area at the bottom of the mountain, and contains more than 80 buildings with many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
The entire temple is recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. The Kon-do and a five-storied pagoda, In the area at the bottom of the mountain are designated as National Treasures.
The temple has been known for its cherry blossoms since the time of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Five-storied Pagoda
Daigo-ji’s five-storied pagoda is one of the few wooden constructions to survive the devastating Onin War in the 15th century. This is the oldest extant architectural structure in Kyoto. Built in 951 on orders of an emperor in honor of his predecessor, the pagoda is 38-meter tall.
Benten-do Hall
The Benten Hall is a small altar dedicated to the goddess Benzaiten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods. It’s located on a small island surrounded by a picturesque pond. Benten-do is particularly beautiful in the autumn season, when the maple and ginkgo trees changed color.
Address : 15 Daigogarancho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 601-1324, Japan
Access : 10 munite walk from Daigo station on the Kyoto Shiei Subway Tozai Line.
Hours : Open through the year
Admission
Entrance : 600 yen
Buildings (Kondo, five-story tower, etc.) : 600 yen
Reiho-kan (Treasury Hall) : 600 yen
All of 3 facilities 1500 yen
Events
Daigo-ji Temple Autum Illumination
Daigo-ji Temple is open for special night visit to show it’s illuminated autumn colors. Visitors can enjoy a fantastic view of the red leaves and the Benten-do in the dark.