Founded in the early 1300s, Kyoto's Daitokuji has a long and fascinating history with connections to 16th-century warlords like Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Oda Nobunaga, the latter of whom was buried on the temple grounds. As a result of its storied past, the temple and its sub-temples are rich with treasures ranging from fusuma sliding door paintings to intricate sculptures.
For the upcoming autumn – arguably Kyoto’s most beautiful season – Daitokuji has decided to host an exhibition of its proudest structures and artefacts, including the sub-temple of Shinjuan. Built by a wealthy merchant from Sakai in 1491, the structure has been a long-standing feature of Daitokuji but is rarely open to the public.
Shinjuan features a traditional tea room, a Japanese garden and antique scrolls, although some of its artworks have suffered considerable wear over the centuries. In 2015, the temple initiated a restoration project for some of Shinjuan’s 400-year-old fusuma doors. Because the restoration was projected to take several years to complete, the temple commissioned a few prominent artists, including manga author Kenichi Kitami (‘Tsuribaka Nisshi’) and 'Final Fantasy' art director Isamu Kamikokuryo, to create placeholders for the original doors.
With Shinjuan now set to open to the public for the first time in three years, this autumn will offer the rare opportunity for visitors to appreciate the contrast between the brightly coloured, modern artwork and the ancient temple grounds. The exhibition will also include a special display of the temple's golden screen inspired by 'The Tale of Genji,' shown to the public for the first time.
The Shinjuan sub-temple will be open for viewing from September 20 through December 8 2024. Admission will cost ¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,000 for junior and senior high school students, and ¥500 for elementary school students or younger.
Following the Shinjuan opening, the Oba-in sub-temple, renowned for its courtyard designed by tea master Sen no Rikyu, will open from October 5 to December 8 2024. This special occasion offers an ideal opportunity to enjoy Oba-in’s zen garden and mossy courtyard amid peak autumn foliage. Entry fees are ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for junior and senior high school students, with free admission for younger children.
For more information, visit the temple website.
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