九品寺

Overview

Kuhon-ji is a temple of the Jodo (Pure Land) school located in Higashi-Kujo, Minami Ward, Kyoto City. It carries the temple title Jobodai-in and enshrines Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha) as its principal image. Set in a quiet corner of the Higashi-Kujo district just south of Kyoto Station, it is a neighborhood hall of nembutsu practice where visitors can pause and pray away from the tourist bustle.

Highlights

• ●Amida Nyorai enshrined as the principal image
• ●The temple title Jobodai-in, meaning to attain enlightenment
• ●A quiet in-town setting in Higashi-Kujo south of Kyoto Station
• ●The calm atmosphere of a Pure Land nembutsu hall

History

Kuhon-ji has been handed down as a Jodo-school temple in the Higashi-Kujo area. Its title Jobodai-in expresses the Pure Land wish to attain enlightenment, and the principal image, Amida Nyorai, has long been revered as the Buddha who saves all beings. The temple name itself, meaning nine grades, derives from the Pure Land idea of nine ranks of rebirth in paradise. For its detailed history, please check official information.

Map

34.9802, 135.7624 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Get off at Kyoto Station and head south from the exit toward Higashi-Kujo
2. 2Arrive at the neighborhood temple Kuhon-ji and pray before Amida Nyorai
3. 3Reflect on the origins of Pure Land faith in the quiet precinct
4. 4Return toward Kyoto Station for more city sightseeing and food

Did you know?

💡 The name Kuhon refers to the Pure Land concept of nine grades of rebirth in the Western Paradise. The place name Higashi-Kujo also contains the character for Kujo (Ninth Avenue), a reminder of the grid layout of the ancient capital in which the temple sits.

Nearby spots