Daitokuji Temple

大徳寺

A large temple complex, boasting many smaller sub-temples within its grounds. Daitokuji is the quietest of the temples in north-western Kyoto, and if you visit it at the start of the day, you could virtually have it to yourself. 8 of the 24 sub-temples are open to the public (most days 09:00-17:00), and each charges an admission fee (around ¥400). The most popular sub-temples are Daisen-in (大仙院), located on the northern side of the temple complex, which has a beautiful Zen garden, along with delicious cinammon sweets that only this temple has rights to sell and produce (you can sample one if you get the tea or buy a pack for ¥700), Kōtō-in (高桐院) particularly noted for its maple trees, which are beautiful in autumn, if you don't mind the crowds, and Hōshun-in (芳春院) which features the same architectural style as Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji Temples as a backdrop to the elegant bridge over a pond.

• outdoors

Address

53 Murasakino

Getting there

nearest bus stop: Daitokuji-mae, routes 28 and 91