Giō-Ji

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  • Address
    Saga, Toriimoto Kozaka-chō 32, Ukyō-ku
  • Phone
    861 3574
  • Transport
    bus: 15min walk from Saga Shakadō-mae bus stop, bus 28 & 72 from Kyoto Station, 15min walk from Saga Shakadō-mae stop, bus 28 & 72 from Kyoto Station

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Lonely Planet review

This quiet temple was named for the Heian-era shirabyōshi (traditional dancer) Giō, who committed herself here as a nun at age 21 after her romance ended with Taira-no-Kiyomori, the mighty commander of the Heike clan. She was usurped in Kiyomori's affections by a fellow entertainer, Hotoke Gozen (who later deserted Kiyomori to join Giō at the temple).

Enshrined in the main hall are five wooden statues: these are Giō, Hotoke Gozen, Kiyomori and Giō's mother and sister (who were also nuns at the temple).

The main attraction here is the lush moss garden outside the thatch-roofed hall of the temple. It's a small spot that is often overlooked by many visitors to Arashiyama.