As one of the 8 head temples of the Jodo (Pure Land) Sect, founded in 1175 by the priest Honen, the temple embraces: Shinsengumi Headquarters During the late Edo period (1860s), the temple served as the military headquarters for the Aizu Clan and the famous Shinsengumi samurai police force, who were tasked with maintaining order in Kyoto. Architectural Highlights Sanmon Gate: The massive two-story wooden entrance gate (built in 1860) is one of the largest in Kyoto and offers a commanding view of the city. Afro Buddha One of the temple's most unique features is a stone Buddha statue with "kinky" or "afro-style" hair (officially known as Goko Shuyui Amida Nyorai), symbolizing the immense amount of time the Buddha spent in meditation. Mie-do Hall The main hall enshrines a sacred statue of Honen. The Gardens The temple features beautiful seasonal scenery, particularly in the autumn, when its "Shiun-no-niwa" (Purple Cloud Garden) and the pond are illuminated by vibrant maple leaves.

After viewing Konkai Komyoji Temple, the guide takes tourists to one of the sub temples where tourists enjoy the experience that they have selected . 1. Prayer's beads: Handcraft prayer's beads with your wishes, choosing from various colorful natural stones and wooden beads to wear it every day as a charm or accessory. 2. Copy Sutra: Calm your mind, pick up a brush, and copy sutras (shakyo), putting your heart into each and every character, allowing you to spend some time relaxing your mind and body. 3. Color Sutra Book: Draw a picture of a scene from a sutra and color it. Children can easily participate while becoming familiar with the teachings of Buddhism. 4. Goshuin Book: Choose your favorite from our wide selection of Japanese paper. You can ask at temples/shrines to write a goshuin in their own handwriting. 5. FLower rice cake with Matcha: Make a gorgeous flower-shaped rice cake and enjoy it with Matcha. Spend a special time experiencing traditional Japanese tea ceremony.