Find Peace in Otokuni’s Bamboo Groves on a One-Day Taxi Trip

Located in the bamboo-covered mountains of Nagaokakyo City, Yokoku-ji Temple, also known as Yanagidani Kannon, feels like a hidden retreat. Walking up the path, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm as we approached this historic temple.

The temple’s history runs deep, dating back to 806. It was founded by Enchin, the same monk who established Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto’s most famous temple. It’s known for its sacred water, believed to heal eye ailments. You can even try drinking the water for yourself.

Yokoku-ji Temple is also famous for its seasonal beauty. In early summer, the temple comes alive with the vibrant hues of hydrangeas, and in autumn, the gardens are painted in stunning shades of red. Visitors flock to admire the hanachozu (floating flower displays) this temple made popular.

The temple also offers a range of workshops, from sutra copying to Buddhist image tracing. Although it’s not available for general booking yet, we had the chance to try their calligraphy workshop, which is a special offering for international visitors. Writing the character for “dragon” was such a cool experience! There’s something almost meditative about dipping the brush in ink, feeling its weight in your hand, and carefully sweeping it across the paper to create each stroke.

After visiting Yokoku-ji Temple, we took a cab back to Kyoto Station to wrap up a full day of sightseeing. In Otokuni, bamboo groves whisper of tradition, and history comes alive at every turn. Escape the crowds on your next Kyoto visit and uncover the hidden treasures of this serene and timeless place.