Tired souls find respite here. Choraku-ji Temple offers a relaxing break and a time to meditate. It stands on the heights of Higashiyama in Kyoto.
Founded in 805 by Saicho, Choraku-ji worships Kanzeon Bosatsu. She is the goddess of compassion and mercy. Emperor Kanmu ordered its construction.
For a long time, the temple grounds were reserved for the Imperial Household. The public was forbidden except for great ceremonies. These ceremonies occurred during Yakudoshi years. These are unlucky or calamitous years.
In 1185, Choraku-ji welcomed Taira no Tokuko. She was the former Empress Consort, later renamed Kenreimon-in. After the Taira Clan’s fall and her son’s death, she became a nun. She lived her last years at Jakko-in temple.
The Tale of Genji mentions Choraku-ji. Lady Murasaki Shikibu wrote this epic. The daughter of Taira no Kiyomori fled here. She became a nun to escape the Minamoto clan.
Later, artists found inspiration in Choraku-ji’s gardens. Rai San’yo, a poet and painter, loved this place. He asked to be buried here.
Higashiyama’s forested foothills hide Choraku-ji. Maruyama Park is nearby. It is a perfect antidote to overcrowded temples.
Finding Choraku-ji isn’t easy. Most tourists miss it. Founded in 805, it ascends into Higashiyama’s forests. Ancient cemeteries surround it.
At the end of November, walk the gentle slope to Choraku-ji’s entrance. The alley is bordered by red maple trees and lanterns. It is a haven of peace for koyo. Koyo is enjoying autumn colors in Kyoto without the crowds.
Wooden pavilions sit surrounded by gardens. The temple bell sounds mysterious. Worshippers visit for New Year celebrations. They ring the bell with the monks.
A small sacred waterfall flows enclosed by a stone wall. Buddha representations are sculpted on it. Find the faces emerging from the rock. The temple has an inner garden around a pond. An open building leads to a balcony. It opens onto a green Zen landscape.
Behind the temple, a cemetery offers a Kyoto viewpoint. See the city through the trees on a clear day.
Choraku-ji’s garden might be a trial run for Ginkaku-ji’s garden. This happened in the Muromachi period.
Saicho carved the principal image. It is Juntei Kannon riding two dragon spirits. He had a vision while crossing to China. This vision saved him from a tempest. The image is only visible during imperial emissary visits.
Kenreimonin had her head shaved here. She underwent ceremonies to become a Buddhist nun. The temple repository has seven Important Cultural Properties. These include Heike family pieces made by Kenreimonin. There is a portrait of her inked over. This was possibly to deceive the Genji clan.
Visit Choraku-ji in the early morning. Capture the temple in the soft morning light. Comfortable shoes are recommended. There is much to explore in the gardens. Sit and reflect. It’s perfect for meditation.