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Daitoku-ji Temple

大徳寺 · 기타구

10 story sections26 min 38 s in all

Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

10 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Daitoku-ji Temple3:17

    Welcome to Daitokuji, officially known as Ryuho-san, which elegantly translates to the Mountain of Dragon Treasure. As you stand before this vast and ancient monastic complex, you are stepping into one of the most sacred and…

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  2. 2The Somon Gate and the Secular Threshold3:06

    Our journey begins at the Somon, the general entrance gate that marks the subtle but profound boundary between the secular world of modern Kyoto and the sacred realm of Daitokuji. As you approach this gate, you might notice an…

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  3. 3The Sanmon Mountain Gate and the Art of Wood2:43

    Continuing along the main central axis of the complex, you are now confronted by the awe inspiring architectural triumph known as the Sanmon, or the Mountain Gate. Sometimes referred to affectionately as Kinmokaku, this two story…

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  4. 4The Butsuden and the Monastic Morning2:36

    Passing through the imposing shadow of the Mountain Gate, you arrive at the Butsuden, the Buddha Hall. This colossal structure is the spiritual anchor of the primary temple complex, housing the principal statue of the Buddha. …

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  5. 5The Hatto Lecture Hall and Sacred Silence2:32

    Directly aligned with the Buddha Hall stands the Hatto, the majestic Lecture Hall. Architecturally, the Hatto is a masterpiece of spatial geometry, designed as a cube of absolutely perfect proportions. …

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  6. 6Shinju-an Temple and the Way of Tea2:44

    We now venture toward the more secluded, intimate recesses of the Daitokuji complex to explore the Shinju-an temple. Founded as a hermitage in the late fifteenth century, this sub-temple holds an exalted place in the cultural…

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  7. 7Daisen-in and the Practice of Zen Meditation2:33

    As we walk further into the labyrinth of private sub-temples, we arrive at the precinct of Daisen-in. This particular temple is highly celebrated for its spectacular garden environments and its deep dedication to the foundational…

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  8. 8Obai-in Sub-Temple and the Dry Landscape2:24

    Our path now turns toward the exquisite serenity of the Obai-in sub-temple. This area is a masterclass in the design and philosophical execution of the Karesansui, or the dry landscape garden. …

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  9. 9The Northern Path, the Bamboo Forest, and the Secular Return2:19

    As we conclude our exploration of the inner sanctuaries and begin our walk toward the northern exits of the sprawling twenty three hectare complex, the landscape shifts once again. The tightly controlled, highly stylized…

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  10. 10Closing2:24

    As we reach the conclusion of our profound journey through Daitokuji, the Mountain of Dragon Treasure, it is essential to pause and absorb the magnitude of what we have witnessed. We have traversed a landscape that has served as…

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What is Daitoku-ji Temple?

Daitoku-ji Temple is a place in 기타구 with 10 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
Location기타구
TypeHeritage
Story sections10
Total length26 min 38 s in all
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates35.0439, 135.7461
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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