About the Bujoji Main Hall and Water Pavilion

The Bujoji Main Hall and Water Pavilion (峰定寺本堂及び供水所) are the main hall and water pavilion of Bujoji on Mount Daihi in Hanase, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, dated by the Agency for Cultural Affairs to around 1345 to 1349 and designated an Important Cultural Property on February 18, 1904. The main hall is built out over a cliff on stilts (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as the main hall built out on stilts, five bays by five, single-storey, with a hipped shingle roof; the water pavilion one bay square, single-storey, with a forward-facing cusped gable and a board roof. It is owned by Bujoji, a Shugendo training temple founded in 1154 by the monk Kanku and known as the Northern Omine (Kyoto City Tourism Association).

Why It Was Designated

The Bujoji Main Hall and Water Pavilion were designated an Important Cultural Property in 1904. The Kyoto City Tourism Association describes the cliff-hung main hall as the oldest stage-style building in Japan.

What to Look For

The main hall is built out over the cliff on a timber understructure (kakezukuri), five bays by five under a hipped (Yosemune-zukuri) shingle roof (Agency for Cultural Affairs). The frame of posts holding the floor on the slope shows the form of a mountain ascetic temple.

The water pavilion is a small building one bay square with a forward-facing cusped gable and a board roof, designated together with the main hall (Agency for Cultural Affairs).

Visiting the Bujoji Main Hall and Water Pavilion

According to the Kyoto City Tourism Association, Bujoji opens on an irregular basis and is closed from December to March and in rain. The path from the Nio Gate to the main hall runs through a protected historic natural environment area, about 30 minutes there and back; visitors may go only as far as the main hall, and the mountain beyond is off limits.

Take the Kyoto Bus to Daihizan-guchi and walk about 30 minutes. Telephone 075-746-0036 (Kyoto City Tourism Association).

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Q&A

QWhen was the Bujoji Main Hall built?
AThe Agency for Cultural Affairs dates it to around 1345 to 1349.
QWhat is distinctive about the Bujoji Main Hall?
AIt is built out over a cliff; the Kyoto City Tourism Association calls it the oldest stage-style building in Japan.
QWhat is the Bujoji Water Pavilion?
AA small one-bay building with a cusped gable, designated with the main hall (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
QWhen were the Bujoji Main Hall and Water Pavilion designated?
AOn February 18, 1904.
QCan you visit the Bujoji Main Hall and Water Pavilion?
ABujoji opens irregularly and is closed December to March and in rain; visitors may go only as far as the main hall (Kyoto City Tourism Association).

Basic Information

NameBujoji Main Hall and Water Pavilion (峰定寺本堂及び供水所)
Location772 Hanase Harachi-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
DesignationImportant Cultural Property (Structure)
Year DesignatedDesignated 1904/2/18 (Meiji 37)
Quantity2 buildings
DimensionsThe main hall built out on stilts, five bays by five, single-storey, with a hipped shingle roof; the water pavilion one bay square, single-storey, with a forward-facing cusped gable and a board roof
OwnerBujoji
Public AccessIrregular opening (closed in winter and rain)

References

Bujoji Main Hall and Water Pavilion (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/1680
Bujoji (Kyoto City Tourism Association)
https://ja.kyoto.travel/tourism/single01.php?category_id=7&tourism_id=411

Last verified: 2026.10.07

Cultural Treasures in the Same Area

All are within walking distance in the same area, so we recommend visiting them together.

  1. Bujoji Temple Main Hall and Water Supply Station water station 0.00 km
  2. Bujoji Temple Main Hall and Water Supply Station Main Hall 0.03 km