Bukko-ji Temple Highlights Guide – Kyoto’s Treasure, Amida Nyorai

Zen kun

Located in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Bukko-ji Temple is the head temple of the Bukko-ji sect of Shinshu Buddhism, which dates back to the late 1300s.

Kyoto pronunciation

It began when Genkaijin, a disciple of Shinran Shonin, established a hermitage in Yamashina for Shinran Shonin upon his return to Kyoto from exile in Echigo.

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What is Bukko-ji Temple?

Bukko-ji Temple is the head temple of the Shinshu Bukko-ji School, one of the Jodo Shinshu sects, and was founded in the area of the present-day Kyoto National Museum during the reign of the 7th Ryogen Shonin, who received the temple name “Amida Bukko-ji” from Emperor Godaigo. 1586, at the request of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the temple moved to its present location.

Basic Information

Name	Bukko-ji Temple
Hours of operation	9:00 – 16:00 (reception closes at 15:00)
Admission fee	Free of charge
Location	397 Shinkaicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8084
TEL	075-341-3321
Official website	https://www.bukkoji.or.jp/

Features and Highlights

Conveniently located in the center of Kyoto
The name of the temple derives from a statue of Amida Nyorai that appeared to Emperor Godaigo in his dream.
A statue of Prince Shotoku and other valuable cultural assets are enshrined in the temple.

Seated statue of Amida Nyorai with halo: The main image of Bukko-ji Temple is a wooden seated statue of Amida Nyorai with halo, whose beauty is worth seeing.

Ryogen Shonin’s Tomb: Within the precincts of the temple is the tomb of Ryogen Shonin, who is considered the central founder of the Bukko-ji School of Shinshu Buddhism. Visitors can learn about his life and teachings.

Statue of Prince Shotoku: The statue of Prince Shotoku enshrined in the Amidado Hall is a nationally designated important cultural property, and visitors can appreciate the beauty of its magnificent carving.

How to access

From Kyoto Station to Shijo Subway Station, Exit No. 5, 2 min. walk.
From Hankyu Karasuma Station, exit 15, 5 min. walk.

Summary

Located in the center of Kyoto City, Bukko-ji Temple is a temple where visitors can feel the history and faith. Visitors are invited to view the Seated Amida Nyorai statue with halo and other valuable cultural assets, and to visit the footsteps of Shinran Shonin and Ryogen Shonin. In today’s chaotic society, Bukko-ji Temple, which aims for the birth of a true human being rooted in the earth of Nembutsu, continues to be a spiritual center for many people today.