basic information

Daitokuji is the head temple of the Rinzai sect's Daitokuji school within Japanese Zen Buddhism and is considered one of the best places to experience Zen in Japan.

Daitokuji is surrounded by many subtemples, which together form a kind of temple village. The main temple and some of the subtemples are open to the public and display Zen architecture and design, including gardens and tea ceremony rooms.

Among the most interesting subtemples are Kotoin, which is famous for its maple trees (particularly spectacular when the leaves turn color, usually in the second half of November) and Daisenin, whose small rock garden is considered one of the best.

Garden of Daisenin subtemple

Street on the temple complex

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how to get there

From Kyoto Station, Daitokuji is best accessed by the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station, from where the temple complex is a 5 minute bus or taxi ride or a 15 minute walk.

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hours and fees

Kotoin
Hours:	9:00 to 16:00
Closed:	Small number of irregular closing days.
Admission:	400 yen

Daisenin
Hours:	9:00 to 17:00 (December to February until 16:30)
Closed:	No closing dates
Admission:	400 yen

news and reports

	Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 21, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Arashiyama November 19, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Higashiyama November 18, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report: Kurama November 16, 2009
	Kyoto Autumn Color Report November 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 15, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 7, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 4, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 1, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 30, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 25, 2009

travel community

Popularity of Daitokuji Temple:
Users who have been to Kyoto: 1962
Users who have been to Daitokuji Temple: 249

21st of 46 most visited sights in Kyoto.
88th of 557 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Daitokuji Temple:

japan-guide.com Rating:		outstanding
User Rating (by 125 users):	81/100	recommended

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hotels & ryokan

Guest Inn Chita A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006. Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja.

tours and packages

Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.