DAIGOJI Temple Sanpō-in – A Beautiful Garden Designed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Sakura Viewing at DAIGOJI Temple Sanpō-in

DAIGOJI Temple , established in 874 AD, is one of the temples of the Tendai sect,
its architecture and gardens are stunning, representing Japanese culture and architectural style.
Famous structures include the Five-story Pagoda, Golden Hall, and more. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto.
Additionally, DAIGOJI Temple is a renowned sakura viewing spot in Kyoto, with early-sakuras best viewed in late March.

Today, we are visiting Sanpō-in, built in 1115. Sanpō-in is mostly designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Among them, the Omote Shoin, which overlooks the entire garden, is one of the buildings representing the shinden-zukuri style of the Momoyama period and is designated as a National Treasure.
The shinden-zukuri style refers to the architectural style of noble residences during Japan’s Heian period.
Additionally, the Sanpō-in garden, designated as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty, was personally designed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1598 for the “Daigo Hanami” (sakura viewing party), and it still retains the luxurious atmosphere of the Momoyama period.

When I visited in 2010 for sakura viewing, it was already late, and I couldn’t enter any of the halls for a tour.
This time, I managed to enter Sanpō-in for a tour… XD
In other words, I might need to visit two more times to see everything.
Entrance fee: ¥600

Introduction to Sanpō-in.

Sakuras outside Sanpō-in.

You need to take off your shoes to enter Sanpō-in for a tour.
As mentioned earlier, most of the area is designated as Important Cultural Property and is a National Treasure.

Finished touring Sanpō-in… XD
That’s right, photography is prohibited in Sanpō-in.
Even the garden inside is off-limits for photography, so I don’t have much of an impression after the tour.
Although some parts inside are nice, compared to Nijo Castle,
I feel that Nijo Castle is much more impressive.
These are the sakuras in front of Sanpō-in.

The same pine tree at the entrance.

The sakuras in front of Sanpō-in are quite impressive.

The photos didn’t turn out well.

Onigawara.

The closed Karamon gate, where you can see the Toyotomi family crest, the Go shichi no Kiri.
DAIGOJI Temple became famous because Toyotomi Hideyoshi came here for sakura viewing.

Nio-mon gate.
I forgot where I saw this term: “A-un Nio-mon gate.”
What an impressive term.

A lion on a roof tile somewhere.

Go shichi no Kiri crest.

Sakuras.

Sakuras at the entrance of DAIGOJI Temple.

Since this is my second visit to DAIGOJI Temple.
However, photography is prohibited inside Sanpō-in, so those who want to take photos should be aware.

DAIGOJI Temple Information

Official website: https://www.daigoji.or.jp/
Entrance fee: 3/20~5/4 Golden Week ¥1500
Visiting hours: 09:00-17:00
Address: 22 Daigo Higashioji-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto PrefectureTransportation:
1. Take the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line to “Daigo Station,” then take a shuttle bus, about 3-5 minutes to arrive!!
2. Take Keihan Bus No. 22, 22A, or 24 to “Daigo Sanpō-in” and get off
Map:

『Original Source:https://nicklee.tw/1014/daigoji-sanboin/