Rokkakudo Choho-ji Kyoto
Historic hexagonal temple, birthplace of Ikebana, offering a serene escape in central Kyoto.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Miyuki Sakura in full bloom
Rokkakudo Choho-ji Kyoto
Best Time
Miyuki Sakura in full bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic hexagonal temple, birthplace of Ikebana, offering a serene escape in central Kyoto.
"A beautiful little temple complex, hidden behind the tower blocks of Kyoto."
🎯 Find Tranquility
Seek peace in this urban oasis, a welcome escape from Kyoto's busy streets.
🌸 Cherry Blossom Spot
Beautiful Miyuki Sakura blooms late March, a must-see for flower lovers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hexagonal Main Hall
Main temple building
Admire the unique hexagonal architecture, a defining feature of this historic temple.

Sacred Willow & Love Fortune
Temple grounds
Tie a wish to the Sacred Willow for good luck in love, a popular tradition here.

Navel Stone of Kyoto
Near the entrance
Locate the 'Navel Stone,' believed to mark the very center of Kyoto city.

Miyuki Sakura
Temple grounds
Witness the stunning Miyuki cherry blossoms, especially beautiful in late March.
Planning Your Visit
Escape the Crowds
Discover Ikebana's Roots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find Tranquility
Seek peace in this urban oasis, a welcome escape from Kyoto's busy streets.
🌸 Cherry Blossom Spot
Beautiful Miyuki Sakura blooms late March, a must-see for flower lovers.
❤️ Love Fortune
Tie a wish to the Sacred Willow for good luck in love.
📍 Kyoto's Center
Discover the 'Navel Stone,' marking the historic center of Kyoto.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find Tranquility
Seek peace in this urban oasis, a welcome escape from Kyoto's busy streets.
🌸 Cherry Blossom Spot
Beautiful Miyuki Sakura blooms late March, a must-see for flower lovers.
❤️ Love Fortune
Tie a wish to the Sacred Willow for good luck in love.
📍 Kyoto's Center
Discover the 'Navel Stone,' marking the historic center of Kyoto.
🌸 Ikebana's Birthplace
Learn about the origins of Japanese flower arranging at this historic site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Rokkakudo Choho-ji as a beautiful, tranquil oasis hidden in Kyoto's city center, offering a peaceful escape with unique features like its hexagonal hall and the birthplace of Ikebana. While it can get crowded during peak seasons like cherry blossom time, its serene atmosphere and cultural significance make it a highly recommended stop.
"A beautiful little temple complex, hidden behind the tower blocks of Kyoto. If you're looking for a less crowded temple in Kyoto that still has something to discover in every corner, this is the place for you. In addition to the beautiful hexagonal main building, there are not only the usual shrines for praying and a temple shop where you can buy talismans and emas, but also an artificial lake with a waterfall where swans are kept. If you are looking for some peace and quiet in the otherwise overcrowded Kyoto, you will find a wonderful little oasis of relaxation here."
Oleg Boleg
"Small shrine within the city which was perfect for us as we walked over in our kimonos after a lovely tea ceremony.
Shrine was peaceful, well kept and had geese/fish in the pond."
Shoba S
"Beautiful shrine surrounded by many cherry blossom trees near a Starbucks shop. We were lucky enough to see full bloom sakura in late March 🌸💕 Very crowded as expected like in many touristy spots."
Palinee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rokkakudo Choho-ji is conveniently located in central Kyoto, near Karasuma Rokkaku. It's easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from nearby attractions like Nishiki Market.
Yes, Rokkakudo Choho-ji Temple is located near the busy Nishiki Market, making it easy to combine visits.
Absolutely! Its central location makes it walkable from many popular spots, offering a chance to explore Kyoto on foot.
From Kyoto Station, you can take a subway or bus to reach the Karasuma Rokkaku area. It's a short ride and then a brief walk to the temple.
The closest subway station is Shijo Station (Karasuma Line), and several bus routes stop near the Karasuma Rokkaku intersection.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the temple grounds is generally free, allowing visitors to explore the main hall and gardens.
The temple is typically open during daylight hours, but it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal variations or special event closures.
While the temple grounds are free, special exhibitions or events, such as the Ikenobo floral art displays, may have separate admission fees.
Yes, the temple is usually open on public holidays, but it might be more crowded.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always respectful to check for any specific signage regarding photo restrictions, especially inside the main hall.
📸 📸 Photography
The hexagonal main hall, the Sacred Willow, the Navel Stone, and the Miyuki cherry blossoms (in season) are prime photography locations.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for your photos, and you'll encounter fewer people.
During exhibitions, photography of Ikebana arrangements is usually permitted, but always check for specific rules.
Absolutely! The Miyuki Sakura trees create a stunning backdrop, making it a very popular spot for photographers in late March.
A standard lens is versatile, but a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the temple and its surroundings. A telephoto lens might be good for details.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
It's known as the birthplace of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, and features a unique hexagonal main hall.
You can admire the architecture, pray for love at the Sacred Willow, find the Navel Stone, and enjoy the peaceful gardens.
Yes, visitors often mention seeing swans in the artificial lake, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
Despite its central location, many visitors find it a peaceful oasis for quiet reflection and to escape the city's hustle.
The hexagonal shape of the main hall is a distinctive characteristic and gives the temple its name, Rokkakudo, meaning 'hexagonal hall'.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the cherry blossom season if your trip aligns, as the beautiful Miyuki Sakura can captivate younger visitors. Remember to encourage respectful behavior, as it is a place of worship. The temple's central location also makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities in Kyoto.
🌸 Photography Enthusiasts
To capture the best shots, aim for early morning or late afternoon light to avoid harsh shadows and crowds. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the temple and its surroundings, and a telephoto lens for capturing details of the architecture or floral arrangements. The temple's connection to Ikebana also offers opportunities for unique close-up shots of floral art during exhibitions.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Don't miss the chance to participate in the tradition of tying a wish to the Sacred Willow for love, or to find the 'Navel Stone' marking Kyoto's center. These small rituals can add a personal touch to your solo journey. The temple's central location also makes it easy to access, allowing you to seamlessly integrate moments of calm into your itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Ikebana at Rokkakudo
Experiencing Ikebana at its origin offers a unique perspective on Japanese aesthetics. The temple's connection to this art form is deeply ingrained, and understanding this link enriches the visit. It's not just a place of worship but a living testament to centuries of artistic tradition.
During certain times of the year, the temple hosts Ikebana exhibitions showcasing the work of students and masters from the Ikenobo school. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to witness the diverse styles and creativity within this ancient art.
Finding Serenity in the City Center
Many visitors are struck by how quickly the noise of the city fades away upon entering the temple grounds. This makes it an ideal spot for quiet reflection and to simply soak in the peaceful ambiance. Whether you're taking a break from sightseeing or seeking a moment of mindfulness, Rokkakudo offers a restorative experience.
Despite its relatively small size, the temple is packed with interesting features, from the unique architecture to the spiritual significance of its various elements. This combination of accessibility and peacefulness makes it a highly recommended stop for those looking to experience a different side of Kyoto.
Seasonal Beauty: Cherry Blossoms and Beyond
Visitors lucky enough to visit during this time often describe the experience as magical, with the delicate blossoms framing the historic temple buildings. However, this beauty also attracts crowds, so planning your visit for early morning or late afternoon can help you enjoy the blossoms with fewer people.
Beyond the cherry blossoms, the temple's gardens offer pleasant scenery throughout the year. The presence of the Sacred Willow and the tranquil pond with swans adds to the year-round charm, making it a worthwhile visit regardless of the season.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit