Overview
Ryoko-ji is a temple of the Myoshin-ji school of Rinzai Zen, located in Yagi-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture. It enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha as its principal image and bears the mountain name Beisan, said to have been formed by combining the two characters of Yagi. Standing near Myoshin-ji and supported by powerful patrons, it flourished as a noted temple counted, together with Ryoan-ji and Ryotan-ji, among the Three Ryu. Set quietly in the Tanba country, it conveys a deep history of war and revival.
Highlights
- ●An old Rinzai Myoshin-ji temple founded by Hosokawa Katsumoto and opened by Giten Gensho
- ●Its distinction as one of the Three Ryu alongside Ryoan-ji and Ryotan-ji
- ●The origin of the mountain name Beisan, drawn from the characters of Yagi
- ●A history of destruction in Akechi Mitsuhide's assault on Yagi Castle and repeated rebuilding
History
Founded in 1452 with Hosokawa Katsumoto as its patron and opened by Giten Gensho, the fifth patriarch of Myoshin-ji, it was esteemed as one of the Three Ryu that supported Myoshin-ji from nearby. When Kyoto was engulfed by war in 1467, Sekko Soshin, then abbot of Myoshin-ji, took refuge here. Hosokawa patronage ended with the decline of the family in the time of Hosokawa Harumoto. In the Tensho era the temple held nine subtemples, but in the sixth month of 1579 its halls were burned during the siege of Yagi Castle in Akechi Mitsuhide's Tanba campaign. Rebuilt in 1583, it later received protection from the Koide clan, lords of the Sonobe domain, in 1619 with a grant of over six koku, and its halls were again rebuilt in the Tenmei era, reaching their present form.
Access
The temple lies in Yagi-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, around latitude 35.069 and longitude 135.524. It stands in a calm valley setting reached by heading from central Kyoto toward the Tanba region, in an area that still bears traces of the old Yagi village. As public transport, parking, and whether and when the temple can be visited may change, it is best to confirm with official sources before your trip.
Best season
Mirroring the four seasons of Tanba, Ryoko-ji is especially evocative in the fresh green of early summer and in autumn, when the mountain village turns to color. The clear stillness of winter also brings a calm befitting a Zen temple. Since the areas open to visitors and their timing may change at the temple's discretion, it is wise to confirm in advance and take your time.
Map
35.0687, 135.5240 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Begin your walk by visiting the old Yagi village in Yagi-cho, Nantan City
- 2Visit Ryoko-ji and pay respects before the principal image, Shakyamuni Buddha
- 3Reflect on the history of the Three Ryu and the Hosokawa connection
- 4Savor the lingering mood while gazing over the mountain scenery of Tanba
Did you know?
💡 Ryoko-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Ryotan-ji were each charged with supporting Myoshin-ji and were together called the Three Ryu. This name, linking temples that all bear the character for dragon, is a fascinating reminder of the spread of Rinzai Zen centered on Myoshin-ji.
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