Seiryo-ji Temple (Saga Shaka-do)
清凉寺
Affectionately known as Saga Shaka-do, Seiryo-ji is an historic Jodo-sect Buddhist temple in western Kyoto founded in 987. It enshrines a National Treasure image of Gautama Buddha (Shaka Nyorai) brought from Song dynasty China by the monk Chonen in 985, celebrated as one of Japan's three sacred Buddha images. The temple grounds feature a grand two-story Niomon gate, a two-tier Tahoto pagoda, and a tranquil stroll garden with stone bridges over lotus ponds. The site also possesses deep literary connections to The Tale of Genji as the former villa grounds of Minamoto no Toru.
Key Architectural & Sacred Highlights
- National Treasure Song dynasty Shaka Nyorai Buddha (brought from China in 985 AD)
- Majestic 1776 two-story Niomon Gate with fierce guardian Nio deities
- Tale of Genji literary heritage (historic estate of Minamoto no Toru)
- Picturesque stroll garden with stone bridges, lotus pond, and dry landscape
- Two-tier Tahoto pagoda nestled amidst seasonal maples
- Annual Saga Dainenbutsu Kyogen theatrical performances (intangible folk cultural property)
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Saga-Arashiyama Station (JR San-in Line) - 10 min walk
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: JR San-in (Sagano) Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (15 min, 240 yen), then walk 10 minutes northwest
- 2 From Keifuku (Randen) Tram: Arashiyama Station (15 min walk) or Rokuoji Station (12 min walk)
- 3 From Kyoto City Bus: Bus 28 or 91 to Saga Shakado-mae stop (1 min walk)
- 4 Positioned conveniently between central Togetsukyo Bridge, Daikaku-ji, and Saga-Toriimoto
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
35.022312 135.676701 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Early mornings for serene contemplative atmosphere. Late November for autumn maples framing the Niomon gate and Tahoto pagoda. Spring for cherry blossoms in the inner courtyard. Mid-March for the historic Saga Dainenbutsu Kyogen and Daimyo-taimatsu fire ritual.
Contact & Info
46 Saga Shakado Fujinoki-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8447
Planning Your Visit?
Book nearby hotels and get exclusive deals for your Kyoto trip.
View Hotel Deals
Discover More
Sacred Sites of Kyoto
Book Kyoto Experiences
Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Seiryo-ji Temple (Saga Shaka-do) and easy to combine in a single visit.
Daikaku-ji Temple
大覚寺
500 yen temple, 300 yen additional for Osawa Pond area · 1-1.5 hours
Jojakko-ji Temple
常寂光寺
500 yen · 30-45 minutes
Nison-in Temple
二尊院
500 yen · 30 minutes
Okochi Sanso Villa
大河内山荘
1,000 yen (includes matcha green tea and sweet) · 45 minutes to 1 hour (enjoy tea and views)
Nonomiya Shrine
野宮神社
Free · 10-15 minutes
Tenryu-ji Temple
天龍寺
500 yen garden only, 800 yen including temple buildings (Hatto, Hojo) · 1 hour (add 2-3 hours for full Arashiyama area including Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge)