Jisso-in Temple (Jisso-in Monzeki) - Kyoto

Exquisite and small. Perfect for serenity

Iwakura Jisso-in : Jisso-in Temple is located in east side of a suburb area called Iwakura. The temple belongs to Tendai sect of Buddhism. The establishment of the temple was 1229 by a priest named Joki. Jisso-in is one of three prestigious temples titled Monzeki temple in Kyoto. It was once a custome that one of the members of Imperial family gets assigned to serve as a head priest of a temple and such temple was titled Monzeki Temple. Jisso-in Temple was originally built in Murasakino area in Kitaku and later relocated to the proximity of Imperial Palace of Gosho in Kamigyo-ku and moved to Iwakura in order to escape from potential damege from a war called Onin War which broke out in 1467. Some parts of the temple structure was presented to Jisso-in from Imperial Palace when it was relocated to this land. Those parts can be seen at its front gate and entrance part of the temple building and reception hall. Those structures are suggestive of its massive construction executed at that time. There are some documents remaining from oldtime well-preserved in this temple on display depicting its historical fact that some folks of high status lineage used gather in this temple to hold classic social functions such as tea ceremonial meetings and traditional poem singing parties. Many of those pieces of construction materials you see inside the building are the creation of much-renowned oldtime artists from Kano School of Japanese paintings which formed a dominant style of painting from the late 15th and often adopted during the time of Tokugawa shogunate for the construction of Japanese castles. One of the striking features of the temple is a wooden statue of Fudo-myo-o curved in 14th century standing on an alter of the central part of the temple building. Inside the temple you can see old paintings on its fusuma sliding doors. Jisso-in Temple has two large gardens. One of them can be seen from inside the building which reflects the beauty of seasonal color on the shiny floor covered with lacqur. In the pond of a garden we can see rare species of a frog only live in clean water. Photos of these frongs are displayed in the temple. The garden is nicely surrounded by a passage way at the edge of a floor called Engawa so you can sit out there to enjoy the tranquility of its garden space with a borrowed landscape of a mountain in the background. Another one is Karesansui Garden which depicts a landscape by using only stone materials. This garden is called a Garden of a heart. The temple is very popular by visitors in autumn season for momiji maple leaves in November. Access to the Temple is by a train called Eizan Line to Iwakura Station. When you arrive at Iwakura station just go along the river ( Iwakura River ) running in the west of the station toward north to the mountain. Alternative option is to take Kyoto Bus number 24. Kyoto City Bus does not cover the area of Iwakura. It is recommended that you explore around the area of Iwakura rather than moving to another location right after visiting Jisso-in Temple. You would notice some old structure of houses still remaining in this area creating unique landscape. ( Trans-word+ : TGM Kyoto Guide )

Pretty small temple that's very calming to be inside. No photography allowed in the interior. Might be worth a visit if you're in the area but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit

I would say it is absolutely not worth the price of 500 yen for the entrance. You can even not walk in the garden for this money, only see it from the building, and it is really small. I did pay and enter as I was very fascinated by pictures in google and traveled extra an hour to visit this temple. I am writing thus review to prevent other people from making the same mistake. There are so many much more beautiful places and temples in Kyoto you can visit and where you can walk for free.

Maybe not worth going far out of your way for, but if you're in the area, this temple offers very peaceful views of Japanese gardens and historic paintings.

This place may not be worth the 500 yen price tag but I felt that it was very peaceful and quiet. If you enjoy having a moment to yourself in a quiet environment and just to enjoy the surroundings, I would recommend going to this location. The reflection of the tree on the black wooden platform was also disappointing.

quiet temple. 15-20 minutes walk from Iwakura station. also can ride on a Kyoto Bus from Kokusai Kaigijyo

Nice in snow. Quiet and empty!