Jojakko-ji

Temple

Part of Arashiyama

Prefecture

Kyoto

Type

Temple

N/A

0 reviews

¥500

Entry Fee

Train Access

About This Destination

Hillside temple in Sagano, best in autumn. The pagoda surrounded by red and orange maples is the shot everyone takes in November.

Climbing the stone steps through Jojakko-ji's forested hillside reveals one of Kyoto's finest autumn spectacles, with fiery maples creating a canopy of red and gold overhead. The temple's thatched-roof Nio Gate and multi-story pagoda emerge from the foliage like scenes from a woodblock print. Founded in 1596, this peaceful retreat in Sagano offers sweeping views over Arashiyama and Kyoto city, while moss-covered grounds glow emerald in the filtered forest light.

Location

Prefecture: Kyoto

Address: Kyoto, Japan

Nearest Station: Saga-Arashiyama Station

Best time to visit: Mid to late November for the blazing maples around the tahoto pagoda, one of Kyoto's quintessential autumn scenes; fresh green early summer is peaceful and uncrowded

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Jojakko-ji?

From JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, walk 15 minutes northwest, passing the bamboo grove on your right. Alternatively, the Keifuku Randen Arashiyama Station is a 20-minute walk. The temple is in the quieter Sagano area, just past the bamboo grove and a few minutes uphill from Tenryu-ji. By car, parking near the temple is very limited, so public transport is recommended.

What's the entry fee for Jojakko-ji?

Adult admission is 500 yen, junior-high and elementary 200 yen. The fee includes the entire hillside garden circuit, the Niomon Gate, the multi-tier pagoda, and panoramic viewpoints over Sagano. Cash only. The temple is open daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM).

When is the best time to visit Jojakko-ji?

Mid- to late November is the standout, when the entire hillside glows with red and orange maples, making this one of Kyoto's top three foliage temples. Spring and the rainy season (mid-June) are quietly beautiful for moss and fresh greenery. Mornings before 10 AM are the only way to avoid the peak-foliage crowds. Allow 45-60 minutes including the climb to the upper viewpoint.

What can I combine with Jojakko-ji in Sagano?

Combine with Nison-in (a 5-minute walk, also famous for foliage), Takiguchi-dera, Gio-ji's moss garden, and the more remote Otagi Nenbutsu-ji with its 1,200 stone rakan further uphill. Sagano's Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is also nearby. The peaceful walking lanes between these temples are part of the experience, and Sagano gives a quieter alternative to Arashiyama's main drag.