Toji-in Temple

等持院

4.4Est. 60Kyoto, Kansai

Local Pick

Overview

1341 Ashikaga family temple with founder graves and a Muso Soseki pond garden; quiet alternative to nearby Kinkaku-ji.

A 1341 Ashikaga family temple founded by shogun Ashikaga Takauji and serving as the burial site for all 15 Ashikaga shoguns. The pond garden is attributed to Muso Soseki, the same Zen master who designed Saiho-ji and Tenryu-ji. Wooden statues of all 15 shoguns line the lecture hall; the moss-covered tombs sit on a small hill behind the main pond.

Local tips

Closed in early winter for grounds maintenance. Entry 500 yen; allow 45 minutes. The teahouse Seiren-tei serves matcha overlooking the pond for 600 yen.

Practical info

Japanese name: 等持院

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