Gioji Temple is a comparatively small scheme nunnery nestled deep inside a wooded forest. It is a sub-temple of Daikaku-ji that adheres to Shingon Sect of Japanese Buddhism. Gioji when first established by Monk Ryochin, a disciple of Honen who was the founder of Jodo-shu Sect of Buddhism, it was built inside the precinct of Ojo-in Temple. The huge Ojo-in was dilapidated before long but Gioji survived, as when it was abandoned in year 1868, the royal temple of Daikakuji took over the custody of its graves and wooden statues and its head priest decided to restore the temple. The existing hall of Gioji was originally a villa donated by Kyoto's ex-governor Kitagaki Kunimichi in year 1895.
According to the Tale of Heike, there was a touching story related to Gioji Temple. Gio was the name of a 21 years old Shirabyoshi dancer who fell in love with the most powerful commander of Heika Clan, Taira-No- Kiyomori but was jilted as he turned to another 17 years old beauty named Hotoke-Gozen who was also a Shirabyoshi dancer. After ended the relationship with Kiyomori, Gio went to retreat in the temple with her sister Ginyo and mother Toji, and later joined by Hotoke. The four women spent the rest of their lives as nun in the temple. The Temple was named after Gio.
Gioji Temple is famous for its mossy garden shaded under the tall maple trees. It looks as if a little fairyland for young kids.
Gioji Temple is small and compact. Many people came for its seclusion and tranquility.
Looking down, a ground of lush moss, looking up, a sky of brilliant red maple leaves..
The lonely old stone lantern on the mossy ground.
Most of the Temple grounds are covered by moss, giving us a feeling of walking on a comfortable carpet.
It is indeed an ideal place for retreat.
Are there any hermits living in such a hidden place like this?
The Hall and the gate have thick thatched roofs.
Gioji Temple enshrines an image of Buddha of Light Dainichi Nyorai, in the hall and houses wooden statues of the four women and Taira-No- Kiyomori (1118-1181) who was then the chief of the most powerful clan and a man the women loved.
Leaves were turning red to compete with bright flowers of Azalea.
People always say that beautiful sights are only ready for those who are willing to walk. The cobbled road leading to Gioji Temples was rather not too easy to walk. It is undulating, ascending and winding but the beauty of mossy garden is worth for a look.
Temples around Gioji Temples have striking foliage but we did not have time to enter into its grounds.
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