Ansho-ji Temple

Have you ever heard of a temple that was once home to a coiled dragon stone pillar? Ansho-ji Temple, nestled in the heart of Kyoto, is a temple steeped in history and intriguing stories. It is said to have been founded in 848 by Keiun, a priest who had traveled to China to study Buddhism. This Buddhist temple is particularly famous for its connection to Fujiwara no Nobuko, the concubine of Emperor Ninmei and the mother of Emperor Buntoku. Nobuko, a devout Buddhist, made a vow to build a temple, and Ansho-ji Temple was the result of her dedication. Because of its close ties to the Imperial Court, the temple was granted the status of a Jogaku-ji, a government-subsidized institution, in 855. But even with its privileged position, the temple gradually declined after Nobuko’s death, losing the Imperial patronage. In the latter part of the Heian Period, parts of the temple were restored but due to the Onin War both the upper and lower temple were abandoned. In the Edo Period, Ansho-ji Temple was rebuilt on its current site, but the upper temple was not restored. Today, only the main hall, Jizo-do and Daishi-do remain standing. Fortunately, many of the temple treasures, including a group of significant wooden statues of the Five Wisdom Buddhas, were spared from destruction and are now housed at the Kyoto National Museum. This is only one of the many fascinating facts about this hidden gem of a temple. If you’re lucky enough to visit Kyoto, be sure to look for Ansho-ji Temple, and consider adding it to your list of must-see destinations. You won’t be disappointed.