Daigo-ji

Temple

Prefecture

Kyoto

Type

Temple

N/A

1 review

¥1,000

Entry Fee

Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

A sprawling World Heritage Site famous for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's legendary 1598 cherry blossom viewing party and Kyoto's oldest wooden structure, the five-story pagoda.

Shingon Buddhist temple founded 874 by the monk Shobo on Mount Daigo. Sprawls across an entire mountainside—lower Daigo and upper Daigo, connected by a steep trail. The five-story pagoda (951) is Kyoto's oldest surviving wooden structure, National Treasure. Best known for Hideyoshi's 1598 cherry blossom party, for which he planted 700 trees. Now 800+ cherry trees bloom each spring. The Sanboin sub-temple has a garden designed under Hideyoshi's direction: 800+ stones and a pond.

Location

Prefecture: Kyoto

Address: Kyoto, Japan

Nearest Station: Daigo Station (Tozai Subway Line)

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: A small tea rest area within the Sanboin area serves matcha and seasonal sweets. The nearby Daigo area has limited dining, so eating before visiting is recommended.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Daigo-ji?

Take the Tozai subway from Kyoto Station to Daigo Station (about 25 minutes including a transfer at Karasuma-Oike, 320 yen), then walk 10 minutes east. By taxi from JR Yamashina Station, it's about 15 minutes. The temple sprawls across a mountain — Lower Daigo (Shimo Daigo) is closest to the bus stop, while Upper Daigo (Kami Daigo) requires a 1-hour mountain hike from the lower temple.

What's included in the 1,000 yen ticket?

Adult admission is 1,000 yen for a 'Shimo Daigo' combo covering Sanboin garden, Reihokan treasure hall, and Garan area (with the National Treasure five-story pagoda from 951 — Kyoto's oldest wooden building). During cherry blossom and autumn periods, the price rises to 1,500 yen. Upper Daigo entrance is an additional 600 yen and requires a 1-hour mountain hike. Cash and major cards accepted.

When is the best time to visit Daigo-ji?

Early April for cherry blossoms (over 800 trees, including a famous 1.5-week earlier-than-most weeping cherry at the Reihokan), commemorating Hideyoshi's 1598 hanami party — illuminated at night. Mid-November for spectacular autumn foliage at Bentendo and around the pond. Spring weekends are extremely crowded; arrive at the 9 AM opening. The temple grounds are large, so allow at least 2 hours for Lower Daigo, and a full day if you also climb to Upper Daigo.

Is the Upper Daigo hike worth it?

Yes, if you have time and reasonable fitness — the 1-hour uphill hike (about 2.5 km, 350 m elevation) takes you through forested paths to the original 9th-century mountain temple area. Highlights include the Kaisando Hall, sacred Reigen Spring, and panoramic views over Kyoto. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and a closing time check (Upper Daigo's last entry is around 3 PM, earlier in winter). The trail can be slippery after rain. Skip if pressed for time — the Lower Daigo and Sanboin are the highlights.