Rokkakudo (Choho-ji), Kyoto - A building that has a lot of doors on it
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Rokkakudo Choho-ji Kyoto

4.3
·4k reviews·Kyoto, Japan

Historic hexagonal temple, birthplace of Ikebana, offering a serene escape in central Kyoto.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late March

Miyuki Sakura in full bloom

CrowdMedium
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Rokkakudo (Choho-ji), Kyoto - A building that has a lot of doors on it

Rokkakudo Choho-ji Kyoto

Best Time

Late March

Miyuki Sakura in full bloom

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic hexagonal temple, birthplace of Ikebana, offering a serene escape in central Kyoto.

4.3
(4k reviews)

"A beautiful little temple complex, hidden behind the tower blocks of Kyoto."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Find Tranquility

Seek peace in this urban oasis, a welcome escape from Kyoto's busy streets.

🌸 Cherry Blossom Spot

Beautiful Miyuki Sakura blooms late March, a must-see for flower lovers.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hexagonal Main Hall

Hexagonal Main Hall

Main temple building

Admire the unique hexagonal architecture, a defining feature of this historic temple.

Instagram
Sacred Willow & Love Fortune

Sacred Willow & Love Fortune

Temple grounds

Tie a wish to the Sacred Willow for good luck in love, a popular tradition here.

Instagram
Navel Stone of Kyoto

Navel Stone of Kyoto

Near the entrance

Locate the 'Navel Stone,' believed to mark the very center of Kyoto city.

Instagram+1
Miyuki Sakura

Miyuki Sakura

Temple grounds

Witness the stunning Miyuki cherry blossoms, especially beautiful in late March.

Instagram+2

Planning Your Visit

Escape the Crowds

Rokkakudo Choho-ji is a serene oasis in bustling Kyoto. Visit early morning or late afternoon to experience its tranquility, especially during cherry blossom season when it can get busy. Instagram

Discover Ikebana's Roots

This temple is the birthplace of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Explore its connection to the Ikenobo school for a deeper cultural understanding. Instagram

Best Times

When
Late March
Why
Miyuki Sakura in full bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning or late afternoon
Why
Escape the crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇯🇵 Things to do in Kyoto Japan: 1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple: best time to visit is early in the morning before the crowds 2. Kazariya teahouse: 1000 year old business serving tea and sweet rice dumplings by a beautiful shrine 3. Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple: temple of 1000 faces 4. Explore Higashiyama: explore at sunrise or in the evenings to escape the crowds in this historic suburb 5. Nara Park day ...
@lukemcameron
276.3K likes • 5.4M views

🎯 Find Tranquility

Seek peace in this urban oasis, a welcome escape from Kyoto's busy streets. Reddit

🌸 Cherry Blossom Spot

Beautiful Miyuki Sakura blooms late March, a must-see for flower lovers. Instagram+1

天授庵 Tenjuan temple Kyoto 庭園がきれいでした🐟 🎥 @tk__films #japantravel #japantrip #japan #torii #japaneseculture #temple #kyoto
@tk__films
138.9K likes • 1.9M views
📍頂法寺(六角堂)| Chohoji (Rokkakudo) 六角堂的垂枝櫻正滿開🌸 坐在星巴克京都烏丸六角店內,就能欣賞對面的櫻花美景,是市區內賞櫻放鬆的好去處! 🗓 2025.4 🎥 @hola.nora . . . . . #日本 #京都 #頂法寺 #六角堂 #日本櫻花 #京都櫻花 #Japan #kyoto #chohoji #rokakudo #sakura #cherryblossom #japantravel #japantrip #visitkyoto
hola.nora
0 likes • 1.9K views

❤️ Love Fortune

Tie a wish to the Sacred Willow for good luck in love. Instagram

📍 Kyoto's Center

Discover the 'Navel Stone,' marking the historic center of Kyoto. Instagram

📍 Rokkakudo (Choho-ji Temple) @ Kyoto 🌸 3 Highlights to Enjoy 🔹 Find the "Navel Stone" Just inside the gate, look to the right for a hexagonal stone. It's known as the "Navel of Kyoto," marking the city's center. 🔹 Pray for Love at the Sacred Willow The "Rokkaku Willow" is famous for bringing love. Tie two branches together with a fortune slip for good luck in love! 🔹 Admire the Buddha Statues...
arigato_kyoto
35 likes • 498 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Find Tranquility

Seek peace in this urban oasis, a welcome escape from Kyoto's busy streets. Reddit

🌸 Cherry Blossom Spot

Beautiful Miyuki Sakura blooms late March, a must-see for flower lovers. Instagram+1

❤️ Love Fortune

Tie a wish to the Sacred Willow for good luck in love. Instagram

📍 Kyoto's Center

Discover the 'Navel Stone,' marking the historic center of Kyoto. Instagram

🌸 Ikebana's Birthplace

Learn about the origins of Japanese flower arranging at this historic site. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Rokkakudo Choho-ji as a beautiful, tranquil oasis hidden in Kyoto's city center, offering a peaceful escape with unique features like its hexagonal hall and the birthplace of Ikebana. While it can get crowded during peak seasons like cherry blossom time, its serene atmosphere and cultural significance make it a highly recommended stop.

"A beautiful little temple complex, hidden behind the tower blocks of Kyoto. If you're looking for a less crowded temple in Kyoto that still has something to discover in every corner, this is the place for you. In addition to the beautiful hexagonal main building, there are not only the usual shrines for praying and a temple shop where you can buy talismans and emas, but also an artificial lake with a waterfall where swans are kept. If you are looking for some peace and quiet in the otherwise overcrowded Kyoto, you will find a wonderful little oasis of relaxation here."

Oleg Boleg

"Small shrine within the city which was perfect for us as we walked over in our kimonos after a lovely tea ceremony.
Shrine was peaceful, well kept and had geese/fish in the pond."

Shoba S

"Beautiful shrine surrounded by many cherry blossom trees near a Starbucks shop. We were lucky enough to see full bloom sakura in late March 🌸💕 Very crowded as expected like in many touristy spots."

Palinee

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Unique hexagonal hall
Ikebana's birthplace

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Rokkakudo Choho-ji is conveniently located in central Kyoto, near Karasuma Rokkaku. It's easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from nearby attractions like Nishiki Market. InstagramReddit

Yes, Rokkakudo Choho-ji Temple is located near the busy Nishiki Market, making it easy to combine visits. Reddit

Absolutely! Its central location makes it walkable from many popular spots, offering a chance to explore Kyoto on foot. Reddit

From Kyoto Station, you can take a subway or bus to reach the Karasuma Rokkaku area. It's a short ride and then a brief walk to the temple. Instagram

The closest subway station is Shijo Station (Karasuma Line), and several bus routes stop near the Karasuma Rokkaku intersection. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the temple grounds is generally free, allowing visitors to explore the main hall and gardens. Reddit

The temple is typically open during daylight hours, but it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal variations or special event closures. Instagram

While the temple grounds are free, special exhibitions or events, such as the Ikenobo floral art displays, may have separate admission fees. Instagram

Yes, the temple is usually open on public holidays, but it might be more crowded. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but it's always respectful to check for any specific signage regarding photo restrictions, especially inside the main hall. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The hexagonal main hall, the Sacred Willow, the Navel Stone, and the Miyuki cherry blossoms (in season) are prime photography locations. Instagram+3

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for your photos, and you'll encounter fewer people. TikTok

During exhibitions, photography of Ikebana arrangements is usually permitted, but always check for specific rules. Instagram

Absolutely! The Miyuki Sakura trees create a stunning backdrop, making it a very popular spot for photographers in late March. Instagram+2

A standard lens is versatile, but a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the temple and its surroundings. A telephoto lens might be good for details. TikTok

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

It's known as the birthplace of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, and features a unique hexagonal main hall. Instagram

You can admire the architecture, pray for love at the Sacred Willow, find the Navel Stone, and enjoy the peaceful gardens. InstagramReddit

Yes, visitors often mention seeing swans in the artificial lake, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Reddit

Despite its central location, many visitors find it a peaceful oasis for quiet reflection and to escape the city's hustle. Reddit

The hexagonal shape of the main hall is a distinctive characteristic and gives the temple its name, Rokkakudo, meaning 'hexagonal hall'. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Rokkakudo Choho-ji offers a peaceful and engaging experience for families. The small lake with swans is often a hit with children, providing a moment of gentle entertainment. Reddit The 'Navel Stone' can be a fun discovery for kids to find, adding a playful element to the visit. Instagram While the temple is a place of quiet reflection, its manageable size means families can explore it without feeling overwhelmed. Reddit

Consider visiting during the cherry blossom season if your trip aligns, as the beautiful Miyuki Sakura can captivate younger visitors. Instagram+2 Remember to encourage respectful behavior, as it is a place of worship. The temple's central location also makes it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities in Kyoto. Reddit

🌸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Rokkakudo Choho-ji presents a unique blend of traditional architecture and natural beauty. The hexagonal main hall offers striking geometric lines, while the Miyuki Sakura trees provide stunning seasonal color. Instagram+2 The Sacred Willow and the tranquil pond with swans also offer picturesque compositions. InstagramReddit

To capture the best shots, aim for early morning or late afternoon light to avoid harsh shadows and crowds. TikTok Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the temple and its surroundings, and a telephoto lens for capturing details of the architecture or floral arrangements. TikTok The temple's connection to Ikebana also offers opportunities for unique close-up shots of floral art during exhibitions. Instagram

🧘‍♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace

Rokkakudo Choho-ji is an ideal destination for solo travelers looking for a peaceful retreat in Kyoto. Its serene atmosphere and manageable size allow for introspective exploration without the overwhelming crowds found at larger temples. Reddit You can wander through the gardens, admire the unique architecture, and take time for quiet contemplation. Reddit

Don't miss the chance to participate in the tradition of tying a wish to the Sacred Willow for love, or to find the 'Navel Stone' marking Kyoto's center. Instagram These small rituals can add a personal touch to your solo journey. The temple's central location also makes it easy to access, allowing you to seamlessly integrate moments of calm into your itinerary. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Ikebana at Rokkakudo

Rokkakudo Choho-ji Temple holds a special place in Japanese culture as the birthplace of Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement. It is the headquarters of the Ikenobo school, the oldest and most prestigious Ikebana school in Japan. Instagram Visitors can learn about the history and philosophy behind this intricate art form, which emphasizes harmony, minimalism, and the beauty of nature. The temple grounds themselves often feature stunning floral displays, especially during exhibitions. Instagram

Experiencing Ikebana at its origin offers a unique perspective on Japanese aesthetics. The temple's connection to this art form is deeply ingrained, and understanding this link enriches the visit. It's not just a place of worship but a living testament to centuries of artistic tradition. Instagram

During certain times of the year, the temple hosts Ikebana exhibitions showcasing the work of students and masters from the Ikenobo school. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to witness the diverse styles and creativity within this ancient art. Instagram

Finding Serenity in the City Center

Rokkakudo Choho-ji is a hidden gem, offering a surprising sense of tranquility and calmness right in the heart of bustling Kyoto. Tucked away amidst modern buildings, its serene atmosphere provides a welcome respite for travelers seeking peace. Reddit The temple's well-maintained gardens, complete with a pond and swans, contribute to its oasis-like feel. Reddit

Many visitors are struck by how quickly the noise of the city fades away upon entering the temple grounds. This makes it an ideal spot for quiet reflection and to simply soak in the peaceful ambiance. Reddit Whether you're taking a break from sightseeing or seeking a moment of mindfulness, Rokkakudo offers a restorative experience. Reddit

Despite its relatively small size, the temple is packed with interesting features, from the unique architecture to the spiritual significance of its various elements. This combination of accessibility and peacefulness makes it a highly recommended stop for those looking to experience a different side of Kyoto. InstagramReddit

Seasonal Beauty: Cherry Blossoms and Beyond

While Rokkakudo Choho-ji is beautiful year-round, it gains particular renown during cherry blossom season. The temple is home to approximately 30 Miyuki Sakura trees, which are famous for their stunning display of weeping cherry blossoms. Instagram+2 These trees typically bloom in late March, transforming the temple grounds into a breathtaking spectacle of white and pink. Instagram+2

Visitors lucky enough to visit during this time often describe the experience as magical, with the delicate blossoms framing the historic temple buildings. Instagram+1 However, this beauty also attracts crowds, so planning your visit for early morning or late afternoon can help you enjoy the blossoms with fewer people. TikTok

Beyond the cherry blossoms, the temple's gardens offer pleasant scenery throughout the year. The presence of the Sacred Willow and the tranquil pond with swans adds to the year-round charm, making it a worthwhile visit regardless of the season. InstagramReddit

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