Not just a temple – a world of temples. Daitoku-ji Temple is home to some of my favorite Zen gardens in Kyoto.
Daitoku-ji Temple confuses people because the eponymous (that’s right, I just used that word) Daitoku-ji Temple is only one of several temples within the walls of this incredible complex of Zen temples and subtemples. Surprisingly, the namesake temple is not the best of the lot here. I prefer other beauties like Koto-in, Zuiho-in and Daisen-in, all of which are open all year. And, if you’re lucky to be in Kyoto in the fall, don’t miss the spectacular Obai-in. For more details on this excellent temple, check out our in-depth Exploring Daitoku-ji page.
See also our in-depth report on experiencing zazen (zen meditation) and a tea ceremony at Daitoku-ji.
Name in English:
Daitoku-ji Temple
Name in Japanese:
大徳寺
English address:
53 Murasakino-Daitokuji-cho, Kita-ku
Japanese address:
北区紫野大徳寺町53
Opening hours:
24 hours
Admission: free
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
In front of Daitokuji-mae Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 101 or 204 or 205 or 206 from Kitaoji Station, Karasuma subway line
Telephone: 491-0019
Website:
Official site (English)
Near To Here:
Daitoku-ji Temple is located in Northwest Kyoto. See our complete list of things to do in Northwest Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- HOTELS – Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- FLIGHTS – Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
Kyoto District Map
Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
About InsideKyoto.com and Chris Rowthorn
- Chris Rowthorn is the co-founder of InsideKyoto.com and has an unparalleled travel knowledge of Kyoto spanning three decades. Chris has written or commissioned and edited every page on the Inside Kyoto website.
- A former author of Lonely Planet Kyoto and Lonely Planet Japan guidebooks, Chris is also the director of the Kyoto walking tour company Chris Rowthorn Tours, and Japan Travel Consulting, where you can get bespoke travel advice for your Japan trip.
- InsideKyoto.com has been cited by the New York Times and The Times of London, among many other publications and websites.
