☆ Day Trip from Fushimi Series ☆　＠Exploring Chishaku-in Temple and the Surrounding Area

A Mind-Renewing Day Trip to Places Connected to Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Only about 15 minutes from Fushimi lies a collection of hidden gems waiting to be explored.

This time, we visited the area around Kyoto National Museum, just a short walk from Keihan Shichijo Station. Because it is so close to Fushimi, many local residents may be surprised to realize that they have never actually explored this neighborhood.

In fact, the Shichijo area is home to several of Kyoto's most significant historical and cultural sites. Even better, they are all within walking distance, allowing visitors to enjoy the area without spending much time traveling between destinations.

Places Introduced in This Article

・Kyoto National Museum
・Chishaku-in Temple
・Toyokuni Shrine, Toyokuni Mausoleum, and Hoko-ji Temple

Access (Approximately 15 Minutes from Tambabashi)

 
Keihan Tambabashi Station → Keihan Shichijo Station

Kyoto National Museum

Kyoto National Museum opened in 1897 and was originally known as the Imperial Kyoto Museum.

The museum stands on land that once formed part of the grounds of Hoko-ji Temple, famous for its enormous Great Buddha statue. The museum's former main building, known as the Meiji Kotokan, is an impressive example of Meiji-era architecture and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

The museum's most iconic feature is undoubtedly Auguste Rodin's sculpture Adam. After World War II, the statue was entrusted to the museum by a private owner and later became national property.

Incidentally, when no special exhibitions are being held, visitors can still enjoy a stroll through the museum's garden area for an admission fee of ¥300.

Chishaku-in Temple

Chishaku-in Temple is the head temple of the Chizan School of Shingon Buddhism.

Originally located on Mount Negoro in present-day Wakayama Prefecture, the temple was destroyed during military conflicts in the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and later relocated to Kyoto. The present temple was established after Tokugawa Ieyasu donated the grounds of Shoun Zenji Temple, which Hideyoshi had built to pray for the soul of his young son and heir, Tsurumatsu.

Admission to the Main Hall (Kondo) and the Myo-o Hall is free. The Treasure Hall and the renowned Japanese garden each require an admission fee of ¥500.

The Treasure Hall houses magnificent sliding-door paintings by Hasegawa Tohaku and his school, designated as National Treasures. The scenic garden offers beautiful seasonal landscapes and is highly recommended for anyone seeking a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.

Toyokuni Shrine, Toyokuni Mausoleum, and Hoko-ji Temple

No introduction to this area would be complete without mentioning the historical sites associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Toyokuni Shrine enshrines Toyotomi Hideyoshi as its deity. Its magnificent Karamon Gate has been designated a National Treasure and remains a splendid example of the lavish Momoyama culture.

Beyond the shrine lies the Toyokuni Mausoleum on Mount Amidagamine, where Hideyoshi rests. Climbing the stone steps requires some effort, but the panoramic view of Kyoto from the summit and the sense of accomplishment make it well worth the journey.

Across from Kyoto National Museum stands Hoko-ji Temple. Once home to an enormous Great Buddha statue, the temple is also famous for the bell inscription incident involving the phrase, "May the nation be at peace and ruler and subjects prosper together." This controversy deepened tensions between Toyotomi and Tokugawa forces and ultimately contributed to the events leading to the Siege of Osaka.

These sites allow visitors to experience both the glory of Hideyoshi's era and one of the major turning points in Japanese history.

A Fushimi Connection

Interestingly, every site on this tour also has deep ties to Fushimi.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Fushimi Castle and transformed Fushimi into a center of politics, commerce, and culture. The splendor of Momoyama culture that flourished in Fushimi can still be felt today at Toyokuni Shrine and Hoko-ji Temple in the Shichijo area.

In this sense, this day trip is also a historical journey linking "Fushimi, the city beloved by Hideyoshi," with "Shichijo, where the memory of his final years endures."

Conclusion

Just fifteen minutes from Fushimi, a different side of Kyoto awaits.

Discover art at Kyoto National Museum, enjoy moments of tranquility at Chishaku-in Temple, and immerse yourself in the historical romance surrounding Toyokuni Shrine and Hoko-ji Temple.

Although these destinations are remarkably close, they offer an opportunity to rediscover the profound depth of Kyoto's history and culture.

On your next day off, why not take a small journey through the places connected to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and find a moment to refresh your mind and spirit?