Gioji Temple

Giō-ji祇王寺

Gioji Temple

Giō-ji祇王寺

Source: "Gioji Temple moss garden" by じゃんもどき / CC BY-SA 3.0

About Gioji Temple

Gio-ji is a serene nunnery in Arashiyama, forever linked to the tragic love story of the dancer Gio from "The Tale of the Heike." After being cast aside by the powerful Taira no Kiyomori, Gio and her family retreated here to live as nuns. The temple is famed for its exquisite moss garden, where a simple thatched-roof hall sits amidst a lush, green carpet, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility and poignant beauty. The circular "Rainbow Window" inside the hall perfectly frames the verdant scenery.

Cultural Assets

Statues of Dainichi Nyorai, Taira no Kiyomori, Gio, Ginyo, Toji, and Hotoke Gozen

Artwork

Wooden statues enshrined in the main hall, depicting the principal deity and the key figures from the temple's tragic founding story.

Hours

9:00 - 17:00

Last entry is at 16:30.

Admission

¥300

¥100 for elementary school students. A combination ticket for both Gio-ji and the nearby Daikaku-ji Temple is available for ¥600.

Visit Duration

Approx. 45 minutes

A visit typically takes 30-60 minutes. Visitors may wish to linger longer to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Accessibility

Limited / Not Accessible

Limited. The temple grounds and surrounding paths in Arashiyama can be uneven, which may be challenging for wheelchair users.

Best Time to Visit

Autumn (late November) is spectacular when fallen maple leaves create a vivid carpet over the green moss. Visit early in the morning on a weekday to avoid crowds and experience the most serene atmosphere.

Getting There

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. From there, it is approximately a 20-25 minute walk.

Photography Policy

Photography is generally permitted outdoors. Visitors must stay on designated paths and not touch the delicate moss. Flash photography is prohibited inside the main hall.

Address

32 Sagatoriimoto Kozakacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8435

Phone

+81(0)758613574

Website

giouji.or.jp

Key Features

moss garden arashiyama less crowded autumn foliage tale of the heike thatched roof yoshino mado window cherry blossoms bamboo grove shingon buddhism good for meditation

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