A traditional Japanese house with a tiled roof is surrounded by lush green trees and moss-covered ground in a peaceful garden setting. Sunlight filters through the leafy canopy, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

A lush, green Japanese garden with tall trees, ferns, moss-covered ground, and a traditional stone lantern in the foreground. A wooden structure is partially visible in the background among the foliage.

Bamboo water fountain in a lush Japanese garden, with green moss, tall trees, and a stone lantern nearby; water flows from the bamboo spout into a stone basin with a wooden ladle.

Wet red and orange autumn leaves scattered on vibrant green moss, creating a colorful contrast between the fallen leaves and the lush ground cover.

A wooden ladle rests on a wet stone beside flowing water, surrounded by red and yellow maple leaves, creating a serene autumn scene.

Kyoto

Gio-ji Temple

4.5 (2764)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Apr 18, 2026

Gio-ji Temple in Kyoto is a small but enchanting place known for its lush moss garden and tranquil atmosphere. This hidden gem is tucked away in the Arashiyama district, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

The temple's main feature is its beautiful moss garden, which blankets the ground in vibrant green. Walking through the garden feels like stepping into another world, with the soft, spongy moss underfoot and the gentle sound of leaves rustling in the breeze. The garden is especially stunning in the rainy season when the moss is at its most vibrant.

Gio-ji Temple has a unique history. It was named after Gio, a dancer and lover of the famous warlord Taira no Kiyomori, who later became a nun here. The temple’s small thatched hall contains a statue of Gio and her companions, offering a glimpse into the temple's past.

The surrounding bamboo groves and maple trees add to the serene ambiance, making it a perfect spot for quiet reflection. Visiting Gio-ji Temple provides a sense of calm and connection to nature, making it a must-see for those seeking tranquility and beauty in Kyoto.

Hours:

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Closed:

New Year

Available:

All year (except New Year)

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

300 yen (Adult)

100 yen (Children: Primary, junior high school, and high school students)

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Phone

+81 75-861-3574

Website

www.giouji.or.jp

Overview

Address

32 Sagatoriimoto Kozakachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8435, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Traveler reviews

Gioji Temple is a quiet and enchanting place hidden in the nature of Kyoto. The beautiful moss garden, surrounded by trees and soft light, creates a peaceful and almost dreamlike atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy silence, and experience the calm beauty of traditional Japanese gardens.

Adrian Razvan

May 15, 2026

My most favorite temple in the area! A lot of moss gives it complete chill vibe, unlike some shrines that have a lot of exposed area. Like now, this is how I would like my backyard to look like if I ever have one.

Jana Krištanová

Jun 6, 2026

Giōji Temple felt like a quieter, more peaceful stop than some of the better-known spots nearby. I really liked how beautiful it was without the heavy crowds, which made it much easier to take everything in. If you're already visiting the bamboo forest area, it's definitely worth adding to the walk.

Yami An

Jun 10, 2026

A hidden gem you shouldn't miss 🌟🌟⛩️🌟🌟💘❤️ Tucked away at the end of a peaceful walk through the greenery, Gioji Temple is one of Kyoto's true hidden gems. It is closely linked to the moving story of Gio, the court dancer who, after being abandoned by the powerful warlord Taira no Kiyomori, sought refuge here and became a Buddhist nun. Knowing this story gives the temple a quiet, emotional atmosphere that stays with you long after your visit. The garden is extraordinary. Moss is everywhere—thick, lush and unbelievably beautiful. Our guide, Kaio, told us that many Japanese people visit temples specifically to admire the moss. At first I smiled... then I visited Gioji and understood exactly why. One of the loveliest details is that the garden displays several different species of moss in small pots, inviting visitors to discover how many forms "moss" can actually take. You quickly realize it's not just one plant, but an entire miniature world of colours, textures and shapes. From that moment on, you'll start noticing moss differently throughout Kyoto. If you're exploring Arashiyama, don't miss this place for anything in the world. It may be small, but it's one of those rare places that quietly steals your heart.

Clemente Signorello

Jul 8, 2026

A long and sparse procession of walkers stretched for kilometres along the well to do road leading to Gioji. It was a late September morning, and nestled beneath a towering bamboo forest, and near ready to turn maples, the brilliant green of Gioji’s moss garden shimmered in the sunlight; this garden does not disappoint. My husband and I leisurely strolled through the ancient site which appeared in the Tale of Heiki from the Heian Era 1200 years earlier. At that time it was a convent and the story goes that Gio a beautiful dancer came here with her mother and sister to become nuns when Kitomori, a Taira clan chieftain left her for another woman. Surprisingly, the second woman also came later to become a nun and so it became a tale of forgiveness. Inside the thatched hut a statue of each of them is on display and their graves are in the nearby garden. The nearest station is Arashiya ma, the nearest toilet is at Seiryoji Temple and the entry fee is 300 yen.