Daigoji Temple
Daigo-ji醍醐寺
Daigoji Temple
Daigo-ji醍醐寺
About Daigoji Temple
Daigo-ji is a massive Shingon Buddhist temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage site sprawling across Mount Daigo. Founded in 874, it is divided into three areas: the elegant Sanbō-in, the main Shimo-Daigo (Lower) area, and the rugged Kami-Daigo (Upper) area at the summit. The temple is famed for its vast collection of National Treasures, including Kyoto's oldest wooden building—the five-story pagoda from 951—and was the site of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's legendary "Daigo-no-Hanami" cherry blossom viewing party in 1598.
Cultural Assets
Five-Story Pagoda
National TreasureKyoto's oldest verified wooden building, constructed in 951, housing Heian-period murals.
Kondō (Golden Hall)
National TreasureThe main hall of worship, housing the temple's principal image of the Medicine Buddha.
Karamon Gate of Sanbō-in
National TreasureAn ornate gate exemplifying the lavish decorative style of the Momoyama period.
Sanbō-in Garden
National Site of Scenic BeautyA masterpiece of Momoyama-period landscape design, created for Hideyoshi's blossom viewing party.
Seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai
Important Cultural PropertyThe principal object of worship (honzon) enshrined within the Kondō.
Cultural Experiences
Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage
No Reservation NeededAvailability: Daily
Hike to Kami-Daigo
No Reservation NeededAvailability: Daily, during opening hours
Last entry for lower grounds is 30 minutes before closing. Winter hours (early Dec - Feb) are 9:00-16:30. The upper Kami-Daigo area has stricter hours: entry 9:00-15:00 (14:00 in winter), and all hikers must descend by 17:00 (16:30 in winter).
The fee is for a combined ticket to the three lower sites (Sanbō-in, Garan, Reihokan Museum) during the normal season. This fee increases to ¥1500 during the peak spring cherry blossom season (late Mar - early May). A separate admission fee of ¥600 is required for the upper Kami-Daigo area.
A visit to the lower grounds (Sanbō-in, Shimo-Daigo, Reihokan Museum) takes 2-3 hours. The strenuous round-trip hike to Kami-Daigo adds another 2-3 hours, making a full visit a half-day excursion.
Limited. The lower grounds have some paved paths but also gravel and steps. The hike to Kami-Daigo is a steep, strenuous mountain trail and is not accessible for wheelchair users.
Best Time to Visit
Peak season is spring (late March-early May) for the famous cherry blossoms, tied to Hideyoshi's historic party. Autumn (late November) is also popular for foliage, especially around the Bentendo Hall. The Kami-Daigo hike offers a quieter, more spiritual experience year-round.
Getting There
From Kyoto Station, take a JR line to Yamashina Station, then transfer to the Tozai Subway Line to Daigo Station. From the station, it is a 15-minute walk or a short community bus ride.
Photography Policy
Photography is generally permitted outdoors but restricted inside temple halls and the museum. Flash photography is prohibited indoors. Always check for posted signs.