Refectory Hall (Jikidō)
temple
Refectory Hall (Jikidō)
食堂（じきどう）
Overview
The Jikidō is Tōji’s refectory hall, where the monks eat and conduct their day-to-day religious training.
The Jikido is the daily dining and training hall for Toji's monks, and the current building dates to 1933 after the original was lost to fire. Inside, you can see four fire-damaged statues of the Four Heavenly Kings that survived from the original hall. Each month on the 21st, scrolls representing all 88 temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage are hung around the exterior, with trays of soil from each corresponding temple placed on the ground in front. Standing on this earth is said to carry the same spiritual merit as visiting the actual temple, allowing the full pilgrimage to be completed without leaving Kyoto.
Local tips
Remove shoes before entering any hall. Look for a shoe rack at the entrance. Carry a plastic bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 食堂（じきどう）
- Nearest station
- Demachiyanagi Station (10 min walk)
- Reservations
- not required
Want to visit Refectory Hall (Jikidō)?
Build a trip to Kyoto