Komyoji Temple, Kyoto

Komyoji Temple stands as one of Kyoto's most significant religious sites, located in Nagaokakyo City just southwest of central Kyoto. The temple was first built in 1198 and today serves as the head temple of the Seizan sect of Pure Land Buddhism. It was founded by Kumagai Jiro Naozane (also known as Horikibo Rensho), a renowned military commander from the Genpei War, and received its name from the miraculous light that emanated from the remains of Saint Honen.

The temple holds exceptional cultural significance within Japanese Buddhism as the place where Honen first preached the teaching of Nembutsu. The vast grounds are dotted with 33 buildings, creating an impressive complex that reflects centuries of Buddhist architectural tradition. The temple grounds cover a vast area of 66,000 square meters, making it one of the more expansive temple complexes in the region.

Visitors can experience the temple's rich artistic heritage through an excellent collection of Buddhist artwork and statues which are on display. Notable cultural properties include a wooden Senju Kannon statue (standing statue of Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshwara) from the early Heian period, designated as an Important Cultural Property and currently housed in Kyoto National Museum. The temple gardens provide a serene setting for contemplation and seasonal viewing.

Komyoji is particularly renowned for its autumn colors, when hundreds of maple trees transform the grounds into a spectacular display of red foliage. The famous Momiji-sando, a stone-lined path leading up to the temple, creates a stunning corridor of colored leaves during peak season in late November. The road from "Chokushimon Gate" to "Somon Gate" offers particularly photogenic views during this period.

The temple is easily accessible, located only a ten-minute ride from JR Kyoto Station to Nagaokakyo City. From JR Nagaokakyo Station, take Hankyu Bus routes 6, 7, 20, or 22 and alight at "Asahigaoka Home-mae" bus stop, which is a 2-minute walk from the temple. Alternatively, visitors can take trains to Hankyu Nagaoka Tenjin Station on the Kyoto Line and follow the same bus route. Public transportation is strongly recommended, especially during autumn foliage season when the area becomes congested with many no-parking zones.