Zenporitsuji Temple, located in the southeast of Iwashimizu Hachimangu, was founded in the mid-thirteenth century, as Zenpoji Kyusei, the top administrative official of Iwashimizu Hachimangu at that time, donated his residence to establish a bodaiji (family memorial temple). Upon its founding, Jisso Shonin, a high priest of Todai-ji Temple in Nara, was invited.
Ki no Yoshiko, a great-granddaughter of Zenpoji Kyusei, married Ashikaga Yoshiakira and gave birth to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun (military ruler) of the Ashikaga shogunate, which deepened the temple’s ties to the Ashikaga family. Ki no Yoshiko donated many momiji (Japanese maple) trees to the temple, and they were planted on the precincts. Even now, the leaves of about 100 momiji trees turn red, creating a beautiful view in the fall. This stunning autumn display earned the temple the fascinating nickname of Momijidera (the maple tree temple).
The temple’s main hall and main gate are designated as Cultural Properties of Kyoto Prefecture. In addition, the temple has 9 Cultural Properties of Yawata City, such as a statue of the deity Hachiman, large statues of Buddhist Wisdom Kings Fudo Myo-o (Acala) and Aizen Myo-o (Rāgarāja), and a statue with a jeweled crown Amida Nyorai (Amida Buddha). (Reservations are required to view the interior of the main hall.)
- Tel
- 075-981-0157
- Address
- 88-1 Yawata Baba, Yawata City, Kyoto
- Access
- Train: Get off at Iwashimizu-hachimangu Station (Keihan Main Line) and walk for about 15 minutes.
Bus: Take Keihan Bus from Keihan Iwashimizu-hachimangu Station. Get off at Hashiagari, and walk for about 5 minutes.
Car: From Oyamazaki Junction on the Meishin Expressway, proceed to Keiji By-pass. From Kumiyama-Yodo Interchange, drive for about 10 minutes.
- Business Hours
- 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Parking
- Available (about 10 regular-sized cars, 1 large bus, 1 medium-sized bus)
Free of charge for visitors
-The temple is crowded during the fall foliage season, so please use public transportation as much as possible.
-Please inform the temple in advance if a parking space for your bus is required.
