Temples & Shrines: Koryuji

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Koryuji Temple 広铔%;寺

• Koryuji is the oldest temple in Kyoto.
• Located in west Kyoto.
• Established in 603.
• Located near the former film studios (Eiga Mura) where Kurosawa et al made their masterpieces.

Koryuji is the oldest temple in Kyoto. Koryuji is best known for its wooden image of Bodhisattva called "Miroku-Bosatsu-Hanka-Shii-zo," which is thought to have been a gift to Shotoku Taishi from the Korean court. The Buddha of the Future is seen sitting in half-lotus and is believed to be pondering the future of mankind. Originally, the image was probably gilded.

This image was the first registered national treasure in Japan.

Shotoku Taishi, who promoted Buddhism early on in Japan, gave the image to Hatano Kawakatsu in 603. The latter built the temple to enshrine the image.

The image is believed to have originally been a gift from the Korean court to Prince Shotoku Taishi. It now stands in a temple building called the Reihoden (Treasure House), along with many other 1,000 year old statues. Photography is prohibited.

The temple was destroyed by fire in 818 and 1150 but was restored thereafter.

700 yen for adults. 9:00　to　4:30 (Dec-Feb), 5:00 (Mar-Nov).

Statue of the Bodhisattva Maitreya at Koryuji Temple; image from Wikipedia with original Jyodai No Tyoukoku (Ancient Japan Sculptures), Asahi-Shinbun Co., 1942, Ogawa Sseyou and Ueno Naoaki

Koryuji Access

Uzumasa Station on the Keifuku Arahiyama line. By bus #75, Ukyokusogochosha-mae stop.

Koryuji Temple
32 Hachiokacho
Uzumasa
Ukyo-ku
Kyoto 616-8162
Tel: 075 861 1461

By bicycle from Toei Studio Park

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