How about stepping into a world where beauty and faith intertwine? Right here before us stands Joshoji Temple. It is also known as \u5e38\u7167\u5bfa. This serene temple offers a glimpse into Kyoto’s rich history.
Joshoji Temple belongs to the Nichiren sect of Buddhism. It was founded in 1616 by Jakushoin Nichiken Shonin. Once, the temple housed many buildings and hundreds of scholar monks. Today, it is smaller but still captivating.
Joshoji Temple has a special connection to Yoshino Tayu II. She was a famous Edo Period courtesan known for her grace. Legend says she eloped with her lover or was bought out of her tea house.
Yoshino Tayu was a devout Buddhist. She helped fund the beautiful vermillion gate at the temple’s entrance. It is called Yoshino-mon in her honor. She died young at 38. Her grave is here beside her partner’s.
Every second Sunday in April, Joshoji Temple remembers Yoshino Tayu. A procession of tayu in beautiful kimonos takes place. An open-air tea ceremony is performed and there is a flower arrangement exhibition.
Inside, you can watch a video about Yoshino Tayu’s life. You can also enjoy matcha green tea and sweets for a fee. The temple is known for its lovely garden. It is especially beautiful in autumn with colorful leaves and cherry blossoms.
The temple’s mountain gate is vermillion. It is called Yoshino Gate. Yoshino Tayu donated it in 1628. The Main Hall once served as a lecture hall. The plaque reading “Gakurin” was written by Nichiei.
Other structures include the Yoshino window tea room. Haiya Joeki dedicated it to Yoshino Tayu. A unique mound for holding sutras exists here too. It is one of a kind in Japan.
Note the garden. Nakane Kinji created it with the sutra mound. The temple also enshrines a white fox that became Jozaidaibosatsu. This happened through ascetic practices on Mt. Myoken.
Joshoji is north of Kinkakuji Temple and Imamiya Shrine. It is south of Shodenji Temple. Nearby are Genko-an Temple and Koetsuji Temple. If you want to stay nearby, consider Ryokan Nenrinbo.
So, as you wander through Joshoji Temple, remember its past. Remember the story of Yoshino Tayu and the monks who once studied here. Let the beauty and peace of this temple stay with you.