浄土宗安養寺

Tucked away in the tranquil hills near Maruyama Park and Yasaka Jinja in Gion, Kyoto, lies the Anyoji Temple (安養寺). A small temple today, Anyoji’s history stretches back to the late 8th and early 9th centuries. It once occupied a much larger area. Part of its former grounds became Maruyama Park in 1886. The park even took its name, Jikeizan, from an alternative reading of the characters in Anyoji’s mountain name. Anyoji Temple played a significant role in the development of Pure Land Buddhism. Honen, the founder of the Jodo-shu sect, resided at Anyoji before his exile. His pupil, Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu, also trained here. While the original structures are long gone, the current buildings include the Main Hall, Lecture Hall, and a Bentendo. This Bentendo is dedicated to Benten (Benzaiten), one of the Seven Lucky Gods. She’s revered by Gion’s artists, geisha, and entertainers as the goddess of art and music. A three-meter stone tower from the Kamakura Period stands as an Important Cultural Property. The temple grounds offer a peaceful escape. They are especially serene in the late afternoon. While Anyoji is a common temple name, this particular temple holds its own unique charm and history in the heart of Kyoto.