Jojyu-ji Temple (葉室山 浄住寺) in Kyoto's Nishikyo Ward is hosting a special seasonal opening called "New Greenery Special Opening" from April 25 to May 6, 2026. During this 12-day event, the normally closed main hall (hondo) and abbot's quarters (hojo) will be open to the public, and on weekends and public holidays, visitors can enjoy a matcha and wagashi set featuring sweets from Kyoto Confectioner Tsuruya Yoshinobu.
About Jojyu-ji Temple
Jojyu-ji Temple, located in the western Kyoto district of Rakusai, is said to have been founded in the first year of Konin (810 CE) during the Heian period. The temple is known for its stone steps along the approach to the main hall, which are enveloped in vivid fresh greenery from the maple trees in season. It also has aristocratic connections and retains strong Chinese architectural influences. The temple gained attention when a "letter of approval" (ando-jo) from Toyotomi Hideyoshi — considered an important cultural document — was discovered here.
Special Opening Details
During this special opening, visitors can view the usually off-limits main hall and hojo. Among the highlights is the first-ever public display of the "Ganjin Wajo Higyobachi" (鑑真和上飛行鉢), a rare and valuable temple treasure making its public debut.
In commemoration of the special opening, eight types of special goshuin (temple stamps) are also available at ¥500 each.
Matcha and Wagashi Set (Weekends & Holidays Only)
Inside the hojo, a special menu called "Matcha Ippuku Set" (抹茶一服セット) is available on weekends and public holidays. The set pairs a bowl of matcha with five bite-sized varieties of Tsuruya Yoshinobu yokan for a tasting experience. Each type is cut into single-bite pieces so visitors can compare all five flavors.
The five yokan varieties:
- Ogura: Made with Tanba Dainagon azuki beans, showcasing the rich depth of carefully selected red beans
- Matcha: Made with Uji matcha, with a fragrant tea aroma and a subtle, pleasantly bitter finish
- Kokuto (Black Sugar): Made with Okinawa brown sugar, offering a deep, caramelized sweetness
- Shiro Azuki (White Azuki): Made with Bicchu white azuki beans, with a delicate flavor and refined taste
- Caramel: A Japanese-Western fusion, combining the nuttiness of caramel with the smoothness of yokan
The set is priced at ¥1,000 per person (tax included). It is available only on weekends and public holidays, and service ends when the day's supply runs out.
Event Information
Location: Hazuro-zan Jojyu-ji Temple (葉室山 浄住寺), 9 Yamada Hiraki-cho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City
Period: Saturday, April 25 to Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (12 days total)
Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
Admission:
- Adults (middle school age and above): ¥1,000
- Children: ¥500
- Group discount: 10% off for groups of 15 or more
Special Goshuin: 8 types, ¥500 each (tax included)
Matcha and Wagashi Set: ¥1,000 per person (tax included) — weekends and public holidays only; available while supplies last
Organizer: Jojyu-ji Temple / Supported by: Kyoto Bunkazai wo Mamoru Kai
Official Website: https://jojuji.org/
