Jodoin Temple

Jodoin Temple in Kyoto holds a small place in the story of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the warlord who unified Japan. In 1587, while traveling to host the Grand Kitano Tea Ceremony, he stopped here unannounced and asked for tea. The priest, caught off guard, served a pale, under-steeped cup. Hideyoshi asked for more, and was given hot water each time. Rather than taking offense, the warlord was apparently amused by the priest's earnest efforts and remembered the temple fondly afterward. The temple is dedicated to Amida Buddha and belongs to the Pure Land school, small but atmospheric and rarely crowded.