An Intimate Exploration into Kyoto: Serene Solitudes & Timeless Tales
— Article 4: Rokuoin Temple in East Arashiyama —
In the bustling precincts of Arashiyama in Kyoto, the southern and western regions typically draw the largest crowds of visitors. However, I find myself drawn to the quieter and more contemplative allure of the northern and eastern areas, where one can witness living traditions in their purest form.
In these less-trodden parts of Arashiyama, one is greeted with a scarcity of souvenir shops, a handful of restaurants, and only a smattering of visitors. Here, residents continue to inhabit traditional wooden houses, reminiscent of exhibits found in other parts of the city. They worship in small local shrines, much as their ancestors did a century ago.
On a crisp autumn day, November 28th, 2021, I embarked on a journey to discover Rokuoin Temple — an unassuming gem nestled in the heart of eastern Arashiyama. The name “Rokuo,” which translates to “the king of deer,” stems from a legend that links Buddha to a previous incarnation as a deer king.
Rokuoin Temple offers a profound immersion into the ancient ambiance and concealed beauty that defines Kyoto. Its origins trace back to the 14th century when it was founded by Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, the third Shogun of the Ashikaga Shogunate — a ruling dynasty that governed Japan from the 14th to the 16th century.
Yoshimitsu also established Rokuonji Temple, better known as Kinkakuji — a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name “Rokuon,” meaning “deer garden,” likely harks back to the legend of Buddha’s initial teachings taking place in a serene deer-populated garden.
If this is your first encounter with Kyoto’s serene beauty, I invite you to embark on an exploration starting with my previous piece: “An Intimate Exploration into Kyoto: Serene Solitudes & Timeless Tales — Article 1: Lesser Known Gems.”
Stay tuned for my forthcoming article dedicated to the enchanting wonders of the “Ohara area.”
