Kōtō-in Temple

Of all the temples and shrines I’ve visited in Kyoto, my favourite has to be the little-known Kōtō-in (高桐院), a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji (大徳寺). I discovered it purely by chance four years ago on my first trip to Kyoto and decided to pay a return visit.

Koto-in Entrance

The entrance is preceded by a stone pathway cut through an immaculate moss carpet lined by perfectly proportioned pine trees.

Wooden Gateway

It was established in 1601 as a family temple by the famous Japanese samurai warrior Hosokawa Tadaoki (細川 忠興) who is buried within the temple grounds.

Mossy Path
Contemplation

Take a seat on the veranda overlooking the garden to soak it all in and, just for a moment, forget the world outside.

Kōtō-in Moss Garden
Kōtō-in Veranda
Outdoors-Indoors

Kōtō-in can be found on the western edge of Daitoku-ji – take a look at my original post for more details and photos.

David avatar

One response

  1. Wendy Wai avatar
    Wendy Wai

    All your photos are so very beautiful, so peace and clam, nobody around. I’ve been to Kyoto once many years ago, and it was a business trip, I love Kyoto at first sight, look forward going there again, next spring. I will join a tour “Walk Japan – Nakasendo Way” The tour start from Kyoto end in Tokyo, it takes 11 days for this walk, I believe it would be quite interesting.
    I do enjoy very much indeed reading your article and the beautiful photos, thank you.

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