Rozan-ji Temple, Kyoto

To the east of Kyoto鈥檚 Imperial Palace stands a temple with serious literary street cred鈥擱ozan-ji, built on the former estate of the father of Murasaki Shikibu, the noblewoman who went down in history as the author of the epic novel, The Tale of Genji, often regarded as the world鈥檚 first novel, penned in the 11th century. Devotees of classic literature still drop by to pay their respects to Lady Murasaki, the Heian-era icon who turned palace gossip into timeless prose.

Rozan-ji itself was founded way back in 938 by the Buddhist priest Ganzan Daishi on a hill called Funaokayama. And while much of Kyoto went up in flames in 1571 thanks to warlord Oda Nobunaga鈥檚 scorched-earth policy, Rozan-ji somehow dodged the fireball. Later, Emperor Kokaku gave it an upgrade and relocated it to its current, more serene spot.

The temple grounds are now home to the graves of numerous Edo-period VIPs, including Jocho Busshi, the Heian sculptor behind some of Japan鈥檚 most revered Buddhist statues. Out front, a moss and gravel garden blooms with delicate bellflowers, the kind of place you might expect Genji himself to stroll through鈥攄eep in thought, fan in hand...

Visit in early February, precisely on the 2nd and 3rd day of the month, and you'll catch Rozan-ji鈥檚 theatrical side during the Setsubun festivities, featuring a traditional annual court ceremony of driving out demons. Picture this: monks, masks, and ritual demon-banishing that鈥檚 part ancient rite, part Kyoto drama. In short, Rozan-ji offers literary heritage, imperial whispers, and just the right amount of spiritual flair.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Rozan-ji Temple
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Imperial Kyoto Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Gion District Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Kyoto Shopping and Food Tour

The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is just as famous as a shopper鈥檚 paradise and, without a doubt, the best place in the country to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods. Souvenirs, food, bargains, and various 鈥渙ne-of-a-kind items鈥� are all up for grabs here.

In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Imperial Kyoto Walking Tour

Kyoto served as Japan鈥檚 imperial capital for over 1,000 years, from 794 to 1869, beginning with Emperor Kanmu鈥檚 relocation of his court to Heian-ky艒 (which is Kyoto鈥檚 former name). Though political power eventually shifted to the shogunate and later to Tokyo, Kyoto remained the cultural and symbolic heart of Japan. Its long association with the imperial court helped shape it into a refined... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

Higashiyama Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

View all walking tours in Kyoto, Japan

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