Gio-ji Temple
祇王寺
Small moss temple in Arashiyama with tragic love story. Thatched-roof hall surrounded by beautiful moss garden. Founded to honor Gio, a Heike period dancer. Peaceful hidden gem. Stunning autumn colors against green moss. Often combined with nearby Adashino Nenbutsu-ji.
Key Architectural & Sacred Highlights
- Beautiful moss garden (one of Kyoto's best)
- Thatched-roof main hall
- Autumn maple leaves against moss
- Tragic love story of dancer Gio
- Peaceful hidden gem
- Affordable 300 yen
- Photogenic bamboo window
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Arashiyama Station, then bus or 25 min walk
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Arashiyama: Bus 28 or 91 to Torii-moto (10 min), walk 5 min
- 2 From Arashiyama: 25 minute uphill walk (combine temple visits)
- 3 In Saga-Toriimoto area with several temples nearby
- 4 Can combine with Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, Nison-in nearby
Live Municipal Bus Approach GTFS-RT
Nearest Stop: Saga Shaka-do-mae (嵯峨釈迦堂前) • ~15 min walk
Footwear & Accessibility Radar
Shoes Allowed Around Moss Garden
Thatched hermitage viewed from outdoor perimeter path; wear flat walking shoes.
Narrow dirt and bamboo-lined paths with low stone steps circling the lush moss garden.
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
35.021851 135.662943 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (November) for spectacular red maples against green moss - absolutely stunning. Spring for fresh green. Morning light through trees beautiful.
Contact & Info
32 Kozaka, Sagatoriimoto, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8435
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Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Gio-ji Temple and easy to combine in a single visit.
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
化野念仏寺
500 yen · 45 minutes to 1 hour
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
愛宕念仏寺
300 yen · 30-45 minutes
Nison-in Temple
二尊院
500 yen · 30 minutes
Jojakko-ji Temple
常寂光寺
500 yen · 30-45 minutes
Nonomiya Shrine
野宮神社
Free · 10-15 minutes
Okochi Sanso Villa
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1,000 yen (includes matcha green tea and sweet) · 45 minutes to 1 hour (enjoy tea and views)