|
|
|
|
Koryu-ji Review
Read our Kyoto sights reviews. Or post your own.
Koryu-ji
- Address: Hachigaoka-cho, Uzumasa, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
- Category: Religious Sites
- Location: Ukyo-ku
Fodor's Review:
One of Kyoto's oldest temples, Koryu-ji was founded in 622 by Kawakatsu Hata in memory of Prince Shotoku (572-621). Shotoku, known for issuing the Seventeen-Article Constitution, a set of Confucian-inspired moral dictates, was the first powerful advocate of Buddhism after it was introduced to Japan in 552. In the Hatto (Lecture Hall) of the main temple stand three statues, each a National Treasure. The center of worship is the seated figure of Buddha, flanked by the figures of the Thousand-Handed Kannon and Fukukenjaku-Kannon. In the Taishi-do (Prince Hall) is a wooden statue of Prince Shotoku, thought to have been carved by him personally. Another statue of Shotoku in this hall was probably made when he was 16 years old.
The most famous of the Buddhist images in the Reiho-den (Treasure House) is the statue of Miroku Bosatsu, who according to Buddhist belief is destined to appear on earth in the far-off future to save those unable to achieve enlightenment. Japan's first registered National Treasure, this rustic wooden statue is thought to date to the 6th or 7th century, carved, perhaps, by Shotoku himself. Of all the Buddhas in Kyoto, this may be the most captivating. The epitome of serenity, the statue gently rests the fingers of its right hand against its cheek (one finger, sadly, was broken off when an ardent student clutched the statue in the late '60s).
From Kyoto Station take the JR San-in Main Line to Hanazono Station and then board Bus 61. From Shijo-Omiya Station, in central Kyoto, take the Keifuku Electric Arashiyama Line to Uzumasa Station. From central or western Kyoto, take Bus 61, 62, or 63 to the Uzumasa-koryuji-mae stop.
- Cost: ¥600
- Open: Mar.–Nov., daily 9–5; Dec.–Feb., daily 9–4:30
Get Advice From Other Travelers
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Kyoto
13 responses; most recent on 09/21/2008, 04:41 pm - Help with Kyoto to Tempozan Transportation
2 responses; most recent on 09/14/2008, 11:07 pm - Tokyo and Kyoto with 15 month old
7 responses; most recent on 09/13/2008, 06:30 pm - 8 nights in Kyoto in November over holiday--please help with planning
6 responses; most recent on 09/12/2008, 06:53 pm
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip >>
- Adventure Travel from
-
Japan Experience
Ancient temples and futuristic cities; mist-shrouded... -
Spiritual Japan - Platinum
Experience Japan's spiritual realm as...... -
China Experience
China, a mysterious land of red pagodas, cosmopolita... -
Hong Kong Extension
This 5-day tour of Hong Kong will show......
Buy the Guidebook
-
$22
-
$25.95
Get the Fodor's Newsletter
Read the current issue
For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Browse previous issues.
