Takayama Temple Trail

Travel Reports by Chashitsu

Note: The opinions and views expressed in this user report are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of japan-guide.com.

January 1, 2015 - Takayama Temple Trail

The Takayama temple trail is a little off the regular sightseeing track in the Teramachi district of the Higashiyama hills (eastern hills ? a named area in many cities). It finishes after a walk around Shiroyama Park at Shoren-ji temple. There is a line of ten temples and a couple of shrines following the contours of the hills; several of the buildings were transferred from Takayama castle when it was decommissioned in 1695. Most of the temples are Buddhist, each offering doctrines of differing sects. Because the region was an important source of timber and minerals, the Tokugawa government built offices in town, known as the Takayama Jinja.

The first temple we encountered was Kyusho-ji with two resplendent large purple leaved acers. Across the path was Unyu-ji known as the cloud dragon temple, which has a simple dry garden with stepping stone path and a variety of well manicured trees. Next door is Daio-ji temple of the Jodo sect with a dry landscape garden and a large Yukimi lantern, followed by Tounin-ji complete with a large Kasuga lantern.

Kyusho-ji temple at the start of the trail

After crossing the road we found Sojen-ji, the Prairie temple of the Soto sect, having several buildings and garden with pond. Next was Tensho-ji, known as the Heavenly temple of the Jodo sect with a simple dry garden and a selection of trees with a large Kasuga lantern. Next door was the Hokke-ji temple of the Nichiren sect, again with a similar dry garden with shrubs and trees. The trail went between the buildings via a delightful path lined with azealeas in full bloom. This led on to Zenno-ji, a private family temple before reaching the Rinzai sect temple of Soyu-ji approached under a wooden walkway. The temple had several buildings including a new hall and small dry garden.

A lovely azalea lined path between temples

The trail continues up the valley on minor roads passing several good suburban gardens before reaching the park with the remains of Takayama castle and the rather dilapidated Shoren-ji temple, the oldest temple of the Jodo Shinshu sect. The trail takes you back into town.