Gionji Temple

The Gion-ji temple belongs to the Tendai sect. It is said to have been founded sometime between 729 to 749 by Manku Shonin, who opened the Jindai-ji Temple.
In the main hall, a standing statue of Amida Nyorai, which is a principal image, is enshrined.
In the Yakushi-do hall, three statues of Yakushi, which are Yakushi Nyorai (the principal image), Nikko Bosatsu and Gekko Bosatu (two guardian statues on the sides) are enshrined. In the Enma-do hall, Enma Daio (The Great King Yama) is enshrined in the center, along with two Juo statues facing each other on both sides. (The three statues of Yakushi are not open to the public, so they cannot be observed)
In the precinct, there is a pine tree called "Jiyu no Matsu (meaning a pine tree which represents liberty)", which is said to have been planted by politician Daisuke Itagaki, who was actively involved in the Meiji Restoration.
The priest in Gion-ji temple has the name Soei (the name is given to a master who deeply understands tea ceremony). In addition to the monthly regular tea ceremony classes, Gion-ji temple also hosts events so that anyone who wishes can experience tea ceremony or seated meditation.