Gio-ji（祇王寺） - Real Japanese Gardens

A Hidden Gem in Kyoto’s Sagano District

Giō-ji is a peaceful temple tucked away in Kyoto’s Sagano district, close to the popular Arashiyama area. This small temple is famous for its lush moss garden, shaded by tall maple and bamboo trees. The quiet, dreamlike atmosphere makes it a perfect retreat from the city’s busy tourist spots.

The garden may be small, but it leaves a lasting impression. Over 20 types of moss cover the ground like a living carpet, changing color with the seasons. Sunlight filters softly through the trees, creating beautiful patterns of light and shadow. The garden path winds gently through the moss, offering a slow and reflective walk.

Giō-ji also holds emotional depth through its historical connection to the Heike Monogatari (Tale of the Heike). This classical Japanese epic tells the story of Gio, a young dancer once favored by the warlord Taira no Kiyomori. After he ended their relationship, Gio retreated to this temple with her mother and sister to live in peace. Later, even Kiyomori’s new lover followed them into monastic life. Today, you can see wooden statues of all four figures inside the temple, preserving their touching story.

Visitors love Giō-ji not only for its moss and history but also for its seasonal beauty. In autumn, red maple leaves scatter across the green moss, creating a breathtaking contrast. In spring, soft new leaves glow in the sunlight. During the rainy season, the garden shines with rich, vibrant green.

Whether you’re a history lover, a garden enthusiast, or someone looking for calm, Giō-ji invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature. It’s a hidden gem you won’t forget.

With its emotional history and picturesque setting, Giō-ji offers a moving, quiet experience just a short walk from more crowded temples in Arashiyama Kyoto.

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Gallery

Pathway through the mossy garden at Giō-ji in Kyoto

Lush moss garden of Giō-ji with scattered autumn leaves

Traditional thatched roof of Giō-ji temple

Directions

How to get to the garden

From Kyoto station, take the JR Sanin Main line towards Sonobe (園部) from platform 32, 33. Get off after 16 minutes at the sixth stop Saga-arashiyama (峨嵐山).
If you prefer to go by bus, take the Kyoto city bus No. 28 or Kyoto bus No. 71 (for Daikaku-ji, 大覚寺) from Kyoto main station and get off after 50 minutes at Saga-Shakado-mae.
From there, walk about 20 minutes towards the west.

View Google Map (Google Website)

Address

JP: 〒616-8435 京都府京都市右京区嵯峨鳥居本小坂町32
EN: 32 Kozakacho, Sagatoriimoto, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, 616-8435

Official Website

Opening times

9:00-16:30 (last admission)

*You can visit until 16:50.

Admission fee

Adults: 300 yen
Elementary, junior high, and high school students: 100 yen

Facilities & Accessibility

Basic restroom available
Gravel and earthen paths; partially accessible
No café or gift shop on site

Best time to visit

Autumn (Late October to Early December): Vibrant red and orange foliage
Spring (March to April): Gentle light filtering through new leaves
Rainy Season (June): Moss is lush and bright green