Gioji Temple
Gioji Temple is a tranquil, simple temple that’s known for its green moss, which is especially striking in the fall when it contrasts with the reds of the maple trees on the grounds.
Located not far from the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Gio-ji Temple is a popular destination for photographers.
While Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is famous for its multitude of temples, including the renowned Tenryuji Temple and the quirky Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, if you have the time, its poignant history and serene ambience make Gio-ji Temple well worth a spot on your Arashiyama itinerary!
Gio-ji Temple is popular, so plan to visit early or late for a more serene experience.
Planning a trip to the famous grove? Visit our Arashiyama Bamboo Forest home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Visiting Information for Gioji Temple at a Glance
| Opening Hours | Daily from 9.00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with last admission at 4.30 p.m. |
| Entrance Fee | 300 yen (USD 1.92) per person, elementary, middle, high school students 100 yen (USD 0.64) per student |
Things to Do at the Gioji Temple in Sagano
Learn about the story of “tragic love” from the Tale of the Heike
Gio-ji Temple is named after Gio, a dancer, who reportedly fell in love with Taira no Kiyomori, the leader of the powerful Heike clan.
The story goes that when Taira no Kiyomori terminated his relationship with Gia, she retreated to the convent at Gio-ji with her mother and her sister, to spend the rest of her life as a priestess.
Gio-ji is located within the grounds of the erstwhile Oujyo-in Temple, said to have been founded by Ryochin, a disciple of Honen. The grounds of Oujyo-in fell into disrepair over time, and only the modest convent survives today.
Admire the moss-covered garden
Possibly the single best reason to visit Gioji Temple is to admire the lush green moss that covers the grounds of the temple.
While the moss is lovely any time, it is especially worth photographing after a bit of rain, when the color of the moss is bright green.
The grounds are also gorgeous in the fall, when the leaves of the maples in the garden turn to red, contrasting powerfully with the green of the moss.
The pathway that leads to the main hall meanders through the moss garden, allowing you to soak in the serene beauty and enjoy the stone lanterns along the way. A small stream allows for the therapeutic feel of water.
View the statues in the Main Hall
The principal image in the temple is that of Dainichi Nyorai, the Cosmic Buddha.
The temple also holds wooden images to the dancer Gio, her sister, and her mother. As you visit the hall, take a moment to reflect on their story!
Gioji Temple Access
Arriving on the JR Line to Arashiyama? You can walk from the Saga Arashiyama Station to Gio-ji Temple in about 25 minutes (see map).
The temple is also a 25-minute walk from the Randen Arashiyama Station, and about a 36-minute walk from the Hankyu Arashiyama Station.
You can also take a taxi from any of the stations to the temple.
From the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, you can walk to Gio-ji Temple in about 15 minutes.
If you have a rental car in Japan, you can drive to Gio-ji Temple. Ample parking is available at the temple, and the parking lot is open when the Gioji Temple is open.
The address for Gio-ji Temple is 32 Kozakacho, Sagatoriimoto, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, 616-8435.
Gio-ji Temple Hours
Gioji Temple is open daily from 9.00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with last admission at 4.30 p.m.
Gioji Temple Entrance Fee
There is an entrance fee of 300 yen (USD 1.92) per person for the Gio-ji Temple.
Elementary, middle school, and high school kids are charged 100 yen (USD 0.64) per student. Younger children enter free.
Combination adult tickets for the Gio-ji Temple and the Daikako-ji Temple are available if you plan to visit both. The combination ticket costs 600 yen (USD 3.84). It is about a 25-minute walk from one temple to the other.
You can buy tickets at the entrance to the temple on the day of your visit.
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