Rokuharamitsuji

Rokuharamitsuji, located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, is an ancient temple said to have been founded by the Heian-period monk Kuya Shonin to quell an epidemic. Belonging to the Chisan branch of the Shingon school, it is said to have been established in 951. Known for blessings of good fortune, warding off misfortune, and prosperity, it has drawn the faith of common people for over a thousand years. It is also a treasury of history, housing many precious Buddha statues, including the statue of Kuya Shonin familiar even from textbooks.

Highlights

• Standing Statue of Kuya Shonin: A National Important Cultural Property of the Kamakura period, depicting six small Amida Buddhas emerging from his mouth. A must-see masterpiece that conveys to this day the faith of Kuya Shonin chanting the nenbutsu.
• Ofukucha Tea: An auspicious tea wishing for good health, given out during the first three days of the New Year. A green tea prepared with kelp and plum, it derives from the tale of Kuya Shonin serving it to quell an epidemic.
• Reiwa Hall (Treasure Hall): You can view up close famous Buddhist statues of the Heian and Kamakura periods, such as the statue of Kuya Shonin and the seated statue of Taira no Kiyomori, including works associated with the sculptors Unkei and Tankei.

Enjoying the Seasons

Being in the city, it is easy to visit year-round, and its appeal is that it is easy to come regardless of the season. At New Year it bustles with worshippers seeking ofukucha tea, and at Setsubun a warding rite is held. Close to the Gion and Kiyomizu areas, it is easy to drop by between sightseeing.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 81-1 Rokuro-cho, Matsubara-dori Yamato-oji Higashi-iru 2-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Access: About a 7-minute walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station on the Keihan line; about a 7-minute walk from the Kiyomizu-michi city bus or Keihan bus stop; about a 15-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto line
• Hours: Main hall 8:00 to 17:00; Reiwa Hall (treasure hall) 8:30 to 16:30
• Admission: Free for the grounds. Reiwa Hall costs 600 yen for adults, 500 yen for university, high school, and junior high students, and 400 yen for elementary students (fees may vary by period)
• Sect: Chisan branch of the Shingon school

Practical Travel Notes

• Order of visiting: First pay respects at the main hall, then head to the Reiwa Hall if you wish to see the famous works up close. The standing statue of Kuya Shonin and the seated statue of Taira no Kiyomori are viewed in this treasure hall. Since it closes fairly early (16:30), a morning to early-afternoon visit is safest for viewing the statues at leisure.
• Combining with the area: Kiyomizu-dera, the Yasaka Pagoda, Yasaka Koshindo, and Kenninji are all within walking distance. Set on a quiet lane along Matsubara-dori, it is easy to fit into a Kiyomizu-dera visit.
• Parking: Dedicated large parking is limited, so public transport or a nearby coin lot is convenient.
• New Year ofukucha: As it is offered only during the first three days of the New Year, plan for crowds right after opening if you are aiming for this auspicious tea.

A Quick Tip

Be sure to view the famous statues, starting with the Kuya Shonin statue, carefully in the Reiwa Hall. This is an ancient temple perfect for those praying for good fortune and warding off misfortune. Within walking distance of Kiyomizu-dera and Gion, it is easy to work into a Higashiyama sightseeing course. Since the treasure hall closes early at 16:30, visit with time to spare. The New Year ofukucha tea is also popular as a good omen.

📚 Sources

This article is based on publicly available sources such as the official website of Rokuharamitsuji, tourism guidance published by the Kyoto City Tourism Association, and on-site history boards and signage. The standing statue of the priest Kuya, the Obukucha tea, and the Reiwakan treasure hall are described according to such public information. The viewing hours and admission fees for the main hall and the Reiwakan may vary by season, so please confirm with the official information from Rokuharamitsuji before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Around 30 minutes to an hour to combine worship at the main hall with viewing the Reiwakan. Allow extra time if you want to study the noted statues closely.
• What to bring: The Reiwakan treasure hall charges admission, so bring small change. It closes at 16:30, which is relatively early, so a visit from morning to early afternoon is recommended if you want to view the statues at leisure.
• If the New Year Obukucha is your goal: It is offered only during the first three days of the year, so anticipate crowds right after opening.
• Suggested route: Worship at the main hall first, then view the standing statue of Kuya and the seated statue of Taira no Kiyomori in the Reiwakan.
• Nearby: Kiyomizu-dera, the Yasaka Pagoda, Yasaka Koshindo, and Kenninji are within walking distance. Set along Matsubara-dori, it is easy to stop by on the way to or from Kiyomizu-dera.