Rokkakudo (Choho-ji)
京都府
Prince Shotoku's hexagonal temple of 587, Saigoku 18th and Rakuyo 1st pilgrimage station, birthplace of Ikenobo ikebana, and the site of Shinran's life-changing 100-day retreat
Founded
587
Type
Temple
Visited
Want to go
Access
About 3 min walk from Karasuma-Oike Station (Karasuma/Tozai Line), or 5 min from Karasuma Station (Hankyu Kyoto Line)
248 Donokushicho, Rokkaku-dori Higashinotoin-nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
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Overview
An ancient temple of independent Tendai lineage in central Kyoto, formally named Shiun-zan Choho-ji and traditionally founded by Prince Shotoku in 587. The hexagonal main hall gives the temple its universally known name 'Rokkakudo.' The principal image — Nyoirin Kannon, a secret Buddha — makes the temple the 18th station of the Saigoku Pilgrimage and the 1st station of the Rakuyo 33 Kannon Pilgrim…
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Origins
The founding legend of Rokkakudo places its origin in 587, when Prince Shotoku was traveling to Naniwa (present-day Osaka) to oversee the construction of Shitennoji. He hung his personal devotional image of Nyoirin Kannon on a tree beside a pond to bathe, but when he attempted to retrieve it, the st…
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Pilgrimage Circuit
A pilgrimage of 33 Kannon temples — the oldest Kannon circuit in Japan, winding through 6 prefectures in the Kinki region and Gifu
View all 33 sites of Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage →
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Divine Benefits
Healing & Longevity
Matchmaking
Safe Childbirth & Fertility
Warding Off Evil
Recovery from illness, bodily wellness, peace of mind. Especially efficacious at Yakushi and Kannon temples.
Derived from the enshrined deity "如意輪観音（秘仏）"
人Related Figures— 3
人
Prince Shotoku
Saint of the Seventeen-Article Constitution
Age 13 at founding
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An ancient temple of independent Tendai lineage in central Kyoto, formally named Shiun-zan Choho-ji and traditionally founded by Prince Shotoku in 587. In 1201, the 29-year-old Shinran completed a 100-day retreat here and received a dream revelation from the Kannon — believed to be a manifestation of Prince Shotoku — that led him to seek out the Pure Land master Honen, setting in motion the founding of Jodo Shinshu.
S
Shinran
Founder of Jōdo Shinshū
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In 1201, the 29-year-old Shinran completed a 100-day retreat here and received a dream revelation from the Kannon — believed to be a manifestation of Prince Shotoku — that led him to seek out the Pure Land master Honen, setting in motion the founding of Jodo Shinshu.
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Visiting Information
Hours
Grounds open 6:00–17:00 (temple stamp reception 8:30–17:00). Open year-round.
Admission
Admission to the grounds is free.
As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.
Official Links
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