Gansenji Temple Kyoto Prefecture
Gansenji Temple in the south of Kyoto Prefecture dates from the 8th century and is known for its three story pagoda and lovely autumn colors.
Gansenji Temple 岩船寺
Gansenji Temple is located in southern Kyoto Prefecture near the prefectural border with Nara. The name of the temple translates as "Rock Boat Temple" and originates from a boat-shaped rock near the main entrance to the temple. Monks used to bathe in the rock as part of ancient purification rituals. 
Gansenji Temple Pagoda
History
Gansenji Temple dates from 729. It was reportedly built on the orders of the Emperor Shomu (701-756). The emperor was a devout Buddhist and did much to promote the newly-arrived religion in Japan. He commissioned the Great Buddha statue in Todaiji Temple in Nara and several other provincial temples in Japan including Gansenji. 
Gansenji, Kyoto Prefecture
Temple Buildings
The three-story, vermilion pagoda is of note and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The pagoda is open for a month in autumn and visitors can see paintings of 16 Buddhist saints. 
Temple garden at Gansenji, Kyoto Prefecture
Garden
The temple's lovely garden is also well known and appreciated for its autumn colors which frame the pagoda. In addition, the garden includes a small lake (pictured above). As well as the autumn leaves, the garden includes several other flowering plants in season: cherry blossoms, camellias, hydrangeas and lotus flowers in the pond. The hills along the path connecting Gansenji and Joruriji temples, and the gardens of both temples, feature several rocks engraved with early Buddhist images. These mostly date from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods of Japanese history. There are engravings of the historical Buddha, Jizo, Kannon and various Bodhisattvas. 
Gansenji, Kyoto Prefecture
Access - Getting There
Gansenji 43 Kaminomon Iwafune, Kamo-cho Kizugawa-shi 619-1133 Tel: 0774 76 3390 Admission: 500 yen Hours: Daily 8.30 am to 5 pm (March - November); 9 am - 4 pm (December - February) The temple is best reached by hire car from Kyoto or Nara or bus from Nara city. To get to the temple take a Kizugawa Community Bus from Kamo Station on the JR Yamatoji Line to Gansenji bus stop (16 minutes). Alternatively, ride a Nara Kotsu Bus from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station alighting at the Joruriji bus stop near Joruriji Temple (26 minutes). Then transfer to the Kizugawa Community Bus to Gansenji. A 1-Day Ticket for the Kizugawa Community Bus can be purchased at JR Kamo Station and other places in Kizugawa city. 
Pagoda, Gansenji Temple, Kyoto Prefecture
Nearby
A visit to Gansenji, if coming by bus from Nara is easily combined with seeing Joruriji Temple. 
Stone Lantern (toro), Gansenji, Kyoto Prefecture
