Jojakko-ji Temple
常寂光寺
A mountainside temple in Arashiyama famous for its multi-story pagoda rising through maple trees and panoramic views of Kyoto from its upper grounds. Built 1596 on the site of poet Fujiwara no Teika's villa. One of Arashiyama's finest autumn viewing spots.
Key Architectural & Sacred Highlights
- Tahoto pagoda rising through brilliant autumn maples
- Panoramic views of Kyoto from upper grounds
- Moss-covered hillside stairways
- Connection to poet Fujiwara no Teika
- Stunning autumn colors throughout hillside
- Less crowded than lower Arashiyama attractions
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
JR Saga-Arashiyama or Arashiyama Station (Keifuku) - 15 min walk
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From JR Saga-Arashiyama Station: 15 minute walk through bamboo grove area
- 2 From Bamboo Grove: Walk north past Okochi Sanso (5-10 min)
- 3 From Tenryu-ji: 15 minute walk through bamboo grove and Saga area
- 4 Uphill temple - many steps but views reward the climb
Live Municipal Bus Approach GTFS-RT
Nearest Stop: Saga Shogakko-mae (嵯峨小学校前) • ~12 min walk
Footwear & Accessibility Radar
Shoes Allowed on Mountain Pagoda Trail
Steep hillside steps among moss and maples; wear non-slip shoes.
Built into Mount Ogura with continuous stone stairways climbing to the Tahoto pagoda.
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
35.020833 135.671389 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Mid to late November for peak autumn foliage. The pagoda surrounded by red and orange maples is one of Kyoto's most iconic autumn images. Morning light is best for photography. Less crowded than Tenryu-ji.
Contact & Info
3 Ogurayama Ogura-cho, Saga, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8397
Planning Your Visit?
Book nearby hotels and get exclusive deals for your Kyoto trip.
View Hotel Deals
Discover More
Sacred Sites of Kyoto
Book Kyoto Experiences
Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Jojakko-ji Temple and easy to combine in a single visit.
Nison-in Temple
二尊院
500 yen · 30 minutes
Nonomiya Shrine
野宮神社
Free · 10-15 minutes
Okochi Sanso Villa
大河内山荘
1,000 yen (includes matcha green tea and sweet) · 45 minutes to 1 hour (enjoy tea and views)
Daikaku-ji Temple
大覚寺
500 yen temple, 300 yen additional for Osawa Pond area · 1-1.5 hours
Tenryu-ji Temple
天龍寺
500 yen garden only, 800 yen including temple buildings (Hatto, Hojo) · 1 hour (add 2-3 hours for full Arashiyama area including Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge)
Seiryo-ji Temple (Saga Shaka-do)
清凉寺
Main grounds free; 400 yen for Main Hall (Hondo), gardens, and Reihokan treasury · 45 minutes - 1.5 hours