What other travelers are saying about Koryu-ji Temple
It was my first temple visit in Kyoto, Japan I'll never forget this place. I was in tears when I saw the giant Buddha wood statue, what an amazing experience very spiritual and moving.
Koryu-ji Temple is recognized as the oldest temple in Kyoto, Japan, founded in 603 by Hata no Kawakatsu at the request of Prince Shotoku. It holds great historical and cultural importance, housing precious artifacts, including the revered statue of Miroku Bosatsu (Maitreya), a designated national treasure.
The must-see attraction at Koryu-ji Temple is the Miroku Bosatsu statue, a Japanese Buddhist art masterpiece. Additionally, visitors should not miss the temple's ancient architecture, serene gardens, and other valuable cultural artifacts housed within its precincts.
Koryu-ji Temple is ideal for visiting any time of the year, with spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) being particularly delightful due to the pleasant weather and the scenic beauty of seasonal flowers or autumn foliage enhancing the temple grounds.
While there is no strict dress code for visiting Koryu-ji Temple, it is advisable to dress modestly out of respect for the temple's religious significance. Visitors should also be mindful of the temple's guidelines, such as not photographing in restricted areas.
Photography is allowed on the temple grounds and in specific areas of Koryu-ji Temple, but it is restricted or prohibited in particular locations, especially inside the halls housing sacred objects. Always look for signage indicating photography rules or ask temple staff for clarification.
I visited a temple to see the famous Miroku Bosatsu statue. As always in temples, photos were not allowed - no surprise. But surprisingly, viewing the statue with binocular was not allowed. Since I am short-sighted, I am used to carry a pair of binoculars with me. At no other buddhist temple in Japan this posed any problems. But here once I took out the binoculars, a guard ran by shouting "no scope". It was not a telescope, buddy, it was a pair of binoculars :). There was no sign that one could not use binoculars, so I could not be sure he was not making it all up just to be nasty to a foreigner. I found it very disturbing and discriminating against people with poor eyesight, and devoid of common sense. They do allow you to watch Bosatsu through the eyeglasses, so why not binoculars? I can imagine they forbid people to take pictures, so that they can make some money selling postcards, but binoculars? Give me a break. There were other issues in this temple, information was very poor, dates were not indicated on all but a few statues, and English translations were plainly wrong, referring to Bodhisattvas as Buddhas. Overall it's a pity. This temple owns a beautiful statue, a masterpiece, but they put some ill-educated guards to watch it (or were they monks?), and they don't allow you to see it clearly. Needless to say, I did not give them any extra money nor bought a postcard.
This is a beautiful temple made out of wood. It's an old temple and the wood used has stood the test of time giving it a lovely look with the grain exposed. There are several wooden structures here. The gate itself is quite imposing and beautiful. There's also a small fountain here with a dragon and a large bell.
Beautiful place peaceful one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in the country, dating back to the 7th century. The temple is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate artwork, and deep spiritual significance.
Koryu-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Yamashiro and the birthplace of Heian culture, stands in a remarkably quiet and peaceful setting. Enshrined here is the statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva with crown of treasure, designated National Treasure No. 1. The statue, smiling with its right hand on its cheek, has a mysterious beauty that one could gaze at for hours.
It was a very beautiful place.
