Jōjakkōji Temple image

Jōjakkōji Temple

Tourist attraction Buddhist temple

This Buddhist temple in a serene forest with views is popular in fall when its maples change color. People often mention temple, beautiful, peaceful, view, walk, Arashiyama, small, Kyoto, bamboo, forest,


Address

3 Sagaogurayama Oguracho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8397, Japan

Website

jojakko-ji.or.jp

Contact

+81 75-861-0435

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: (The Emperor's Birthday), 9 am to 5 pm, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: temple (33) beautiful (18) peaceful (13) view (12) walk (12) Arashiyama (10) small (9) Kyoto (9) bamboo (9) forest (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Dan P. 1 year ago on Google • 83 reviews
    The most green I’ve ever seen! This shrine is an homage to the colour green; it’s serene and provides stacks of solitude. There’s a couple of small climbs dotted with small shrines; until you reach the Zenith and its vista. As you’re walking around Arashiyama you could easily miss this beauty; and you’ll regret it because it’s sans crowds!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shahin S. 6 months ago on Google • 316 reviews
    Very peaceful! The temple itself is not that special however because it was very calm you could relax there and soak the atmosphere.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fuyumi N. 3 years ago on Google
    The silence that reigns this small "Pure land of wisdom" temple, a little jewel in the Saga-no, a beautiful countryside of Kyoto, from which you can enjoy a awesome Kyoto view. It's a pure joy stopping and contemplating in it's garden. Although the temple is small, you can walk inside to visit the small pavilions and sutra scattered here and there on its property.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wisanu T. 6 months ago on Google • 352 reviews
    Tucked away in the tranquil outskirts of Kyoto lies Jōjakkō-ji Temple, a hidden gem boasting a peaceful ambiance among the lush greenery of the serene forest. This enchanting Buddhist temple offers visitors a rare opportunity to escape the bustling city and find solace in its tranquil surroundings. The beauty of Jōjakkō-ji extends beyond its natural surroundings. The temple itself, though relatively small, captivates with its traditional architecture and intricate design. From the perfectly manicured gardens to the meticulously carved wooden details, every corner of the temple exudes a sense of spiritual harmony and grace. One of the highlights of Jōjakkō-ji Temple is the pristine Zen garden, where visitors can sit and meditate, or simply absorb the peaceful atmosphere. The careful arrangement of rocks, moss, and shrubs creates a harmonious balance that reflects the deep-rooted philosophies of Zen Buddhism. It is an ideal spot for reflection and introspection, allowing one to find a moment of respite from the busy world outside.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Bas van der B. 5 months ago on Google • 341 reviews
    So busy…Too many people. Looks beautiful but the views got ruined by mass tourism.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Eleonora B. 10 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    Beware if coming in rainy season. Not a single building is open for visit and there are very few spots to hide from a downpour. Taking a beautiful walk in the neighborhood, we were hoping to take refuge in this nearby temple as the rain intensified. We were happily sold the tickets (1000yen for two) less than one hour before closing. There’s an “exhibition hall” advertised on the map, but it’s apparently always shut and nothing is exhibited. The front lady thought it’s completely normal and honestly didn’t care about any of our questions. We were kicked out before official closing time (rain still pouring), the gate was shut, she mounted her moped and drove off… Forest in this “temple” is undoubtedly beautiful, but so is all the nature around it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kelvin M. 4 years ago on Google
    Very pretty place and great exercise. The middle of summer might not be the best time to visit but it is very pretty and historic. Please note that there is no food or drinking there so make sure you are plenty refreshed before you start having a wander through.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 DeanReviews 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely worth the JPY 500 entry fee. Visited in February. Arashiyama and the bamboo forest were heaving with tourists, however this area was completely serene and peaceful. Only about 5 other people in there. A fair bit to walk around, including some steps. Beautiful pagodas and temples, some bamboo areas around the edges too. Some parts were under construction but this didn’t take away from the experience. Great even in winter but I imagine it’s incredibly beautiful in spring or autumn. The bell is rung many times just before midday, which was cool to see.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rory R. 2 years ago on Google
    If you turn to the right at the end of the path through the bamboo forest, and walk for maybe ten minutes (we were on bikes), you will come to this beautiful little gem. Very quiet and peaceful, with great views of the area.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali M. 3 months ago on Google • 17 reviews New
    Absolutely beautiful and totally worth the time to take a trip. My husband and I came on a Monday and we started Arashiyama with this temple (and then made our way towards bamboo / river). I'm happy we did because it was slightly less crowded in the morning. I was reading on the weekend it was super crowded so just keep that in mind when planning your trips to Arashiyama. The autumn foliage was sooooooooo beautiful. There are a lot of stairs if you want explore past the entry, so it might be harder for people in wheel chairs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ジエームス 2 years ago on Google
    Wow, gorgeous in Autumn but also quite crowded with many visitors. Pictures from November 23.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miguel Moraes V. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful temple. Such an amazing view as you start walking up. You pay 500 yen as an entry fee but it’s totally worth the money.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Herry D. 5 years ago on Google
    Quite beautiful temple. Need close to an hour to fully explore. Some climbing required. Definitely appreciate the quietness compared to other busy tourist spots.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mel N. 4 years ago on Google
    My absolute favourite temple so far. So serene, shady and such beautiful foliage. I went when everything was so lush and green. Make sure you get to the top for views over the city and mountains in the distance. The temple also has wifi and a resident cat.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Harriet F. 1 year ago on Google
    Quiet temple with not many visitors. Gardens are more natural grounds with moss covered areas and bamboo.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dania G. 2 years ago on Google
    Cute little Buddhist temple! Very serene and peaceful. Beautiful fall colors (Nov 11).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christophe T. 8 months ago on Google • 132 reviews
    A hidden gem. Worth the little trek from the main road. The view in itself isnt amazing. I was mostly impressed by the gardens will going up.

  • 4/5 Lily 5 months ago on Google • 58 reviews
    At the beginning of 3rd week of Nov, fall foliage not at peak yet.

  • 5/5 Quynh Chau P. 5 months ago on Google • 38 reviews
    Very great places for golden & red leaves watching Though the traffic was a little bit heavy, but the vibe is still great to enjoy Kids are also welcomed here& this place is more worthwhile than the other temples in the area

  • 5/5 Ada S. 11 months ago on Google
    Peaceful and active local temple in a beautiful and natural setting.

  • 4/5 村上顕 2 years ago on Google
    from JRsaga-arashiyama , about 15 minutes walk carry you this temple . green autumn leaves and moss are waiting for you with some beautiful halls . slopes are a little hard but the view from the upper side makes you be happy .

  • 5/5 Kieran L. 9 months ago on Google
    This was a very well-kept and beautiful temple. There was a small entrance fee, between 500 to 1000 Yen, not too expensive. The advantage of that is that there are significantly less people and is thus more peaceful and easier to take photos without much disturbance. The temple has a few buildings that are spread out, making it a lovely walk throughout. At the end of the compound there is also a beautiful viewpoint that overlooks the city.

  • 4/5 Aria J. 8 months ago on Google
    Serene temple. 500 yen to enter. The temple blend well into the nature and is very quiet. Everything seems to be how it is during ancient times. If you climb to the top you can get a view of the city and there’s a three-floor pagoda. If you are in a rush I think you can skip this temple.

  • 5/5 Jade 7 months ago on Google
    I arrived in Arashiyama with limited time. I visited Tenryu-ji. It was too crowded so I walked around the area afterwards. I found this temple almost by happenstance. It doesn't look like much from the entrance but looks can be deceiving. I had time to kill so why not? I was pleasantly surprised by its peacefulness (there were very few tourists - almost none on Monday morning) as it's inside a lush forest. There are a number of small buildings to make it more interesting. There is a small cemetery (but it's best to admire it rather than go inside). Jojakko-ji not at all like Tenryu-ji but rather, a nature retreat. The best part of this temple is the view from the top. It's AMAZING but you wouldn't know unless you go all the way up the stairs, which many people seem to miss. You have a skyline view of Kyoto and the mountains. Personally, I think that the view and the natural serenity is worth the price of admission. Jojakmo-ji is a hidden gem that's a 5-minute walk from the bamboo forest. Maybe not so hidden anymore.

  • 5/5 Brian L. 4 years ago on Google
    Great temple for Autumn leaves. There were quite some people here, but still manageable. The line was not super long, maybe a 10-minute of wait before you are in.

  • 5/5 Hasaya (. 5 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Great atmosphere and serene vibes. There are some steps for you to climb up for viewing the entire Kyoto city view, so it might be a bit hard to travel with the elderly. This place is not too crowded comparing to the another side of Arashiyama. I recommend you to come here during the Autumn time for unforgettable experience. 🍂🍁🌰

  • 5/5 Hiroki K. 3 years ago on Google
    Red and Green contrast is magically beautiful owing to here’s chill and hot temperatures. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Alexander K. 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place, we didn’t get in tho, it was undergoing repairs.

  • 5/5 Erwin A. 1 year ago on Google
    This temple and its grounds are absolutely amazing. We went there on a rainy morning, which just added to the atmosphere. Given how busy everything else was in the area, there was almost nobody there. Very peaceful and quiet with little temples spread along a hillside walk through the forest. Great views of Kyoto as well. I rate this place much higher then any of the more famous and incredibly busy temples in Kyoto.

  • 5/5 Adriano C. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely worth the 500 yen entry fee. Super nice lady at the front as well. There is so much history and greenery that the more time you spend there the more relaxed you will be.

  • 5/5 Emma 1 year ago on Google
    This was my favourite spot in all of Arashiyama. A very peaceful and tranquil temple complex, with so much to see and admire. There is a beautiful garden, covered in moss. My favourite part was the climb to the viewing platform to see stunning views of the surrounding countryside. I could have stayed all day looking at the incredible nature and relishing the sounds. I highly recommend this place for some solitude and tranquility.

  • 5/5 Prima 3 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem in Kyoto. Beautiful place to see autumn leaves without the crazy crowds. It’s far out from the main Arashiyama area, and the trek is a bit long, but so worth it. If you climb to the top, you get a nice panoramic view of the city.

  • 5/5 boorachat J. 1 year ago on Google
    I visited here in the second week of december 2022. It all turns red. The temple give me the vibe of peaceful as it was very cold, quiet and all maple red. Let walk to this little moutain. Very easy to walk from the bamboo forest just 10 mins

  • 3/5 Julia C. 1 year ago on Google
    In early November before peak foliage but the moss garden already lost its summery green? this temple was just okay. We much prefer nearby Okochi Sancho which has a beautiful garden and similar grand view of the city.

  • 5/5 Sherry T. 1 year ago on Google
    Kyoto has lots of temples! Glad I can in maples season💕💕 Love views and peaceful 🙏🏻

  • 4/5 Darren S. 1 year ago on Google
    I really enjoyed visiting this temple. Beautiful surroundings, and very peaceful. Good entry price. And lots of things to photograph. Worth your time going to visit if you are in the area

  • 5/5 Trinh L. 5 years ago on Google
    Yesterday we visited Jojakkoji Temple in Arashiyama and was blown away by its serene beauty. The temple was not far from the Bamboo Grove, but you could hardly see any big group of tourists. Even though it’s a popular autumn foliage watching spot, the sakura trees in the temple ground are just as gorgeous, and if you climb all the way to the hilltop, you’ll have a very good view of the city.

  • 5/5 Chris H. 5 years ago on Google
    A wonderfully quiet spot past the arashiyama bamboo grove. The admittance fee of 500¥ is worth it for everything you get to see. It doesn't take too long to walk around all the temple grounds but it is a very peaceful place if you wanted to sit and relax. There are bathrooms here as well.

  • 4/5 Alex C. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful autumn foliage, koyomi. We didn’t pay to get in but the exterior is beautiful enough. Just a few minutes walk from bamboo forest and Torokko Arashiyama train station (Sagano Line)


Call +81 75-861-0435 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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