Cycling Daitokuji Temple Kyoto

自転車で大徳寺へ

Daitokuji Temple is in north central Kyoto a bit west of the Kamo River.

It is a large open zen temple in which lie the remains of Sen no Rikyu, the founder of the way of tea.

Except for sunny fall days, it is easily - though bumpily - cycled.

It consists of many sub-temples and is usually blissful and quiet.

It can enjoyed as part of the Kitayama to Kamigamo Shrine route.

Information

Daitokuji Temple
Daitokuji Daitokuji-cho, Murasakino, Kita-ku, Kyoto
075 491 0019

Entrance Fee: Free (except for sub-temples)

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Women in Kimono Kyoto

大徳寺で着物着ている京女

Last weekend there was a large "chakai," or tea event, at Daitokuji Temple.

These three elegant women were standing in the shade of a sub-temple.

Daitokuji has long been associated with tea because of its connection with Sen no Rikyu.

The great tea master is buried at the sub temple Jukoin.

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Daitokuji Temple Wall Bicycles

大徳寺の壁と自転車

Daitokuji Temple is one of the great public spaces in Kyoto. Not overwhelmed by tourists, open 24 hours a day, and wide open - it is an open secret in Kyoto.

On a blistering hot post-rainy season Saturday ride up to Kitayama and beyond, the large trees within the white walls of the temple provided a brief respite from the rays of the sun.

The bikes lined up along the wall seemed to be enjoying the shade, their owners dozing elsewhere.

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Purple Flowers Ascending a Kyoto Machiya

大徳寺の近くの町家

Outside a side entrance to Daitokuji Temple, in northern Kyoto, was this montage.

A potted purple flowered plant was climbing its way up a beam in front of a traditional home.

The dark wooden slats made for an ideal canvas.

The green leaves and, interspersed at both the bottom and top, the purple flowers were cooling on a mid-rainy season ride.

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Cycling North Kyoto Daitokuji Temple

自転車で大徳寺へ

Daitokuji Temple was at first a small monastery, which was started in the early part of the 14th century by the monk Shuho Mocho.

In 1325, shortly thereafter, the monastery was converted into a facility for the imperial court.

As a result, it prospered. However, like much of the entire city of Kyoto, Daitokuji was burned in 1474 during the height of the Onin War.

Its fortunes rebounded in the sixteenth century, when Daitokuji came under the support military figures, who went on a building spree. In 1582, Oda Nobunaga, one of the contributors to the temple, was buried therein.

The temple also has enjoyed close ties to Sen no Rikyu, the tea master.

Today, the complex covers more than 50 acres and is perfect for a stroll or a slow bike ride.

If on a bike, it will be a bit bumpy. Most of the ground is covered in gravel; the path is stone, much of which can be cycled if carefully.

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Daitokuji Temple by Bicycle

自転車で大徳寺へ

Daitokuji Temple is a functioning Zen temple complex in northern Kyoto. It is a large compound with 24 sub-temples. The small sub-temples Daisen-in (pictured at right) and Koto-in are especially beautiful.

Daitokuji was established in 1319 by Shuho Myocho.

During the Onin War, parts of the temple were destroyed by fire. It was later rebuilt with money from merchants in south Osaka. The abbot responsible for organizing the rebuilding process was named Ikkyu (1394-1481).

The Sanmon (Two-Story Main Gate) was built in 1589, and then repeatedly built by the tea ceremony master Sen-no-Rikyu (1522-1591).

It is possible to ride within the compound itself, though the paths are bumpy if elegant stones.

Daitokuji is close to Kitayama, the Kamo River, and the Shokokuji Temple Area Route.

Access

Daitokuji
Daitokuji-cho, Murasakino, Kita-ku
Tel: 075 491 0019

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