One of the recommended historical walking courses in Kyoto is the Hokan-ji to Kiyomizu-dera course. The reason is that between Hokan-ji and Kiyomizu-dera, there is still a beautiful streetscape filled with the atmosphere of the ancient capital of Kyoto.
Therefore, the promenade connecting the two temples is full of things to see and is still visited by many tourists. So, what kind of attractive spots are there along the course? This time, we will give you an easy-to-understand introduction to a 1400-year-old historical walking trip from Hokanji Temple to Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto.
What kind of temple is Hokanji?
Hokanji Temple is a temple located in Yasaka Kamimachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City. Hokanji is pronounced “Hokanji.” Another name is “Yasaka Tower”, and in ancient times it was called “Yasaka Temple”.
Basic information about Hokanji Temple
Here we will introduce basic information about Hokanji Temple.
❶History
Hokanji Temple is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku in 589 during the Asuka period. After that, it was burnt down for the first time in 1179 at the end of the Heian period when it was caught up in a conflict between Kiyomizu-dera and Gion-sha shrines, and a second time was burnt down due to a lightning strike in 1291 in the 4th year of Sho’o in the Kamakura period.
It was burnt down for the third time in 1436, in the middle of the period. It was rebuilt in 1440 by Yoshinori Ashikaga, the sixth shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, and continues to this day. However, there is also a theory that it was founded in the 5th year of Emperor Suushun’s reign (592). What we can say from this is that Hokanji Temple was built approximately 1400 years ago.
❷Current state of the precincts of Hokanji Temple
The current precincts of Hokanji Temple are mostly occupied by a five-storied pagoda. Surrounding the five-storied pagoda are the Daishi-do Hall, Yakushi-do Hall, Chinjusha Shrine, and Kiso Yoshinaka Head Mound. Basically, it is not a very big temple.
❸Highlights of Hokanji Temple
Hokanji Temple’s five-storied pagoda stands out as a landmark in the Higashiyama area. It can be seen from anywhere in Rakuto, Kyoto. The highlight is seeing the five-storied pagoda from various angles from across the city. It is said to be the oldest five-storied pagoda in Japan, with a height of 46 meters, second only to the five-storied pagodas of To-ji and Kofuku-ji.
Historical walking course from Hokanji to Kiyomizudera
Here we will introduce a historical walking course that takes you from Hokan-ji Temple to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the most beautiful temples in Kyoto.
❶Ninenzaka (Ninenzaka)
Ninenzaka is a slope located very close to Hokanji Temple. It is located between Ichinenzaka and Sannezaka. It is a gentle slope of about 150m with cobblestone pavement and shops with traditional buildings. It is mainly lined with Japanese-style general stores, sweets shops, souvenir shops, sweet shops, and restaurants. By the way, there are four slopes between Hokan-ji and Kiyomizu-dera: Ichinenzaka, Ninenzaka, Sannezaka, and Kiyomizuzaka.
❷Sanning Ban (Sannian Ban)
Sannenzaka is a slope that is closer to Kiyomizu-dera Temple than Ninenzaka. It is a steep slope of about 100m lined with sweets shops, traditional craft shops, and restaurants. The name derives from “the slope where Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s wife Nene prayed for a safe delivery” when she visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple. By the way, there is another Kiyomizu-zaka between Sanneizaka and Kiyomizu-dera.
❸Koshoji Temple Ryozan Honbyo
Koshoji is a temple of the Shinshu Kosho sect, founded by Shinran Shonin. Ryozen Honbyo is the mausoleum of Shinran, the founder of the sect. Currently, Ryozen Honbyo is the ossuary of the followers of Koshoji Temple. By the way, a shrine is a place to worship ancestors, ancestral spirits, or the founder of a sect.
❹Cherry blossoms at Akebonotei
Akebonotei’s cherry blossoms are the weeping cherry blossoms that are planted in the garden of Akebonotei. It is said to be over 100 years old, and it is a sight to behold if you visit when it is in full bloom. At night, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms. You can also enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine such as tofu dishes and yuba dishes at Akebonotei.
❺Hang Xiaolu
Todoroki Koji (Todoroki Koji) is a long, narrow path that runs east from Sannei Sakashita.
The name comes from the fact that a river called “Todoroki River” flows under the alley. By the way, the Todoroki River is said to be the river that Issunboshi came to the capital in an old tale.
❻Shimizuzaka
Kiyomizuzaka is the approach to Kiyomizu-dera Temple that runs from Higashioji-dori Street to the Niomon Gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This is a historic slope that was built when Kiyomizu-dera Temple was founded. The length is about 700m. The main street is always crowded with tourists, and there are many souvenir shops, sweets shops, and restaurants.
What is Kiyomizu-dera?
Kiyomizu-dera is a temple located in Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. Kiyomizudera is pronounced “Kiyomizudera.” It is said to have been founded in the 17th year of Enryaku (798) during the Heian period, and it is said that Sakanoue Tamuramaro built the Buddhist temple there. Highlights include the Niomon Gate, the West Gate, the three-storied pagoda, Otowa Falls, and the main hall, which is famous for the “Shimizu Stage.” It has many national treasures and important cultural properties, and has been designated as a World Heritage Site. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a must-see tourist spot when visiting Kyoto.
Access information to Kiyomizu Temple
Here you will find detailed information about access to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The address of Kiyomizu-dera Temple is 1-chome Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture.
❶Route from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu Temple by car
| Kyoto Station (Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture) ⇒ Gojo Dori ⇒ National Route 1 ⇒ Gojozaka ⇒ Matsubara Dori ⇒ Kiyomizu Temple |
The total travel distance is approximately 3.5km, and the travel time is approximately 12 minutes.
Summary
This time, we introduced a 1400-year-old historical walking trip from Hokanji Temple to Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. The course from Hokan-ji to Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most enjoyable historical walking courses in Kyoto. You can walk from Hokan-ji to Kiyomizu-dera in about 10 minutes. If you go to Kyoto, why not take the course that goes from Hokanji to Kiyomizudera?
▲Tourist site
▲Sannenzaka
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