Arashiyama to Matsuo Taisha
Arashiyama – Matsuo Taisha - Kokedera Temple 嵐山～松雄大社～西芳寺
Overview
Arashiyama is one of the most beautiful areas of Kyoto and Japan. It is famous for its river views, temples, bamboo forest, and more. This route will take you out of Arashiyama proper and up to the legendary moss temple.
Matsuo Taisha Shrine is not far from Arashiyama. It was founded in 701 C.E., almost 100 years prior to the founding of Kyoto itself. It was created by the head of the Hata clan, which also founded Fushimi Inari Shrine.
The The Hatas, originally from Korea, brought much advanced technology to the less advanced Japanese (at the time).
The shrine is dedicated to Oyamakui-no-kami and his consort, who were believed to give protection to sake brewers. The shrine also over time became a patron for saint rice cultivation, miso and soy production, building, weaving, birth, and traffic safety.
Matsuo is also home to thousands of Japanese rose bushes that bloom in April and May.
The next and final stop is Saihoji Temple, the Moss Temple, which is the most expensive temple to visit in Kyoto. Reservations are required and it costs 3,000 yen to enter. You will join a large group in copying the sutra - writing (tracing) Chinese characters - for about 20 minutes before you are allowed to wander the grounds. It is worth it.
Kokedera is thought to have been established by the monk Gyoki prior to the founding of Kyoto. In 1339 C.E., it was converted into a Zen temple by Muso Soseki, a monk. There are now more than 120 types of moss within the grounds, and a pond that is shaped like the Chinese character kokoro (heart or soul) - 心 - and a splendid rock garden.
Much of Kokedera was destroyed during the Onin War (1467 - 1477). Two tea houses remain from the earlier period.
Note: for those with the time and energy - and reservation - it is not too far to continue on to Katsura Imperial Villa. From the Moss Temple, go back to Matsuo Taisho and back down on the bike lane that parallels the Katsura River. Ride about 10 minutes to the next bridge and go up to street level. There are signs that will take you the five - seven minutes south and then east tot the Villa.
Getting to the Starting Point
If you are coming from downtown or even the Golden Pavilion, it is a long ride. From Gosho (Imperial Palace), riding along Marutamachi Dori it will take you at least 30 minutes to get there.
If that puts you off, there is a Bike Rental in Arashiyama close to the Hankyu Arashiyama train station. Bikes are 800 yen per day.
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Pond at Kokedera Temple |
Kokedera Temple Moss |
Directions
From the center of Arashiyama, head towards the Katsura River and cross the Togetsukyo Bridge. After crossing, peel off left here until you find the bike path that follows the river. This is the bike trail that, after 45 kilometers, will take you all the way to Kizu, which is just outside Nara.
A lot sooner than that will bring you to Matsuo Taisha. It is just south of Matsuo Bridge. At the bridge, go up to street level. The main torii gate is directly in front of you.
Kokedera is 10 minutes beyond that. Exit Matuso Taisho and turn right. Go along the road towards Katsura with the Hankyu Line tracks on your left. When the road forks, go right. There is a pedestrian overpass - go right before you get to the overpass. Then go up into the hills – and ask directions.
You'll get there.
Total Riding Time
From Arashiyama Station (Keifuku Line), twenty minutes to Matsuo Taisho, another 10 or so to the Moss Temple.
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Lily Pond at Kokedera Temple |
Moss at Kokedera Temple |
More Information
Matsuo Taisha Shrine
3 Arashiyama-miyamachi, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto
075 871 5016
Entrance Fee: Free
Saihoji Temple (Kokedera, or the moss temple)
56 Jingatani-cho, Matsuo, Nishikyo-ku Kyoto
075-391-3631
Open: 9 am – 5 pm
Adults: 3,000 yen
To apply, write directly to the temple with your preferred date, number of people, and name and mailing address.
Tenzan no Yu (public bath)
Three-minute walk from Arisugawa Station on the Keifuku Line
075 882 4126
Open: 10 am – 1 am
Adults: 1,000 yen
Elementary School Students: 500 yen
Map
Arashiyama to Kokedera Temple Route
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