#daigo-ji

Daigo-ji, Kyoto, 2024

Daigo-ji, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Daigo-ji, Kyoto, January, 2024

Daigo-ji, January, 2024

Daigo-ji

Still sick, I've bought some of the masks that are worn to help keep one's germs to one's self. I think I should have sprung for a more expensive brand though- this one seems thicker than the kind I see other people wearing, and trying to breath with it on is a fairly miserable experience. After checking out of the hostel my first stop is Daigo-ji temple. Daigo-ji is located a bit out of the way, maybe 30 min from Kyoto station(?) + a bit of a walk through a residential area, but fortunately the path is very clearly marked. As soon as I see it I'm in love with the entrance to the main temple complex- it's got a strong resemblance to the entrance building in spirited away, made stronger by the long avenue of trees just behind it. I pass a large pagoda, and several other temple buildings, but my main destination is Bentendo hall, a small pavilion and bridge nestled among the trees, which is especially picturesque. Indeed, there's a special feeling from walking around a obscure place that I've seen in national geographic/Pinterest. I don't have the air to check out any of the hiking trails that the temple has, but I do visit the small mossy garden behind the hall, which is really peaceful. An important temple of the Shingon sect, Daigo-ji is split into three main areas, the main complex (with Bentendo hall), what I believe is Sanboin, the former residence of the head priest, a lovely building with especially impressive gardens (no pics allowed though.), and a museum area with no English but pretty architectural details from the complex, and a series of detailed ink drawings. Although it was out of the way ( and thus took up most of my morning to visit it) I'm quite glad I made it to Daigo-ji. Though it's not the kind of temple that will appeal to everyone, it ended up being on of my favorites.

Japanese monk by Patrick Foto ;)