Also known as the Hojoji Palace or Hojoji Monastery, Hojujiden was a Buddhist Temple located in Kyoto, Japan. The temple was originally established as 'Hojuji', by Fujiwara Tamemitsu in 988 but it was destroyed in 1032.

Later, in 1158, a rebuilt Hojujiden became the residence of the cloistered emperor, Go-Shirakawa, who abdicated in favour of his son Emperor Nijo. The cloistered rule was a certain form of government in Japan wherein the emperor abdicated the throne but retained his exterior power and influence. The emperor who retired became Daja Tenno and those who entered Buddhist monastic community became Dajo Hoo or the cloistered emperor.

In 1183, Go-Shirakawa came to know that Minamoto no Yoshinaka, a general of the later Hein period and a member of the Minamoto Samurai clan, had planned to kidnap him. By doing this, Minamoto no Yoshinaka wished to form a new government. Go-Shirakawa tried to stop him but his efforts went in vein. Yoshinaka captured Kyoto in 1183 and a year later, invaded the palace monastery of Hojujiden. The buildings of the palace monastery were set ablaze, the residents were assassinated and the cloistered emperor captured. As of today, the temple has been reconstructed and houses a tomb of Emperor Go-Shirakawa.


Kyoto
Located in central Honshu, near the southwest end of Lake Biwa, Kyoto is surrounded by hills. Kyoto is the fifth largest city of Japan occupying an area of more than 600 sq km. Every year millions of tourists pour in Kyoto to explore its religious and cultural attraction that is largely the result of the 1100 years of service as emperors' residence. The city is also home to a large number of Buddhist temples that are principle centres of the different sects of Buddhism. For a Buddhist tourist, a visit to Japan, and in specific a visit to Kyoto is a must is a highly rewarding experience.


Other Attractions

• The Byodoin Temple : Originally a country residence of the Fuziwara family, the Byodoin Temple came up in 1952. The temple comprises the main hall the Kannon-do which are also known as the Phoneix Hall and the Tsuridono ("Fishing Hall") respectively. The temple is a wonderful example of the temple architecture of the Heian period.
  
  
• Daikaku-ji Temple : Located close to the Ozawa pond, the Daikaku-ji Temple was established in 876. The temple is quiet popular for its Heian era garden which is counted amongst the oldest gardens in Kyoto. The templeis open from 9.30am to 6.30 pm.
  
  
• Daitoku-ji Temple : This is a temple associated with the Rinzai sect of Japanese Buddhism. It was founded in 1324, however, the civil wars of 15th century caused immense damage to it. The structure that stands today dates back to the 16th and the 17th century. There are a total of 22 buildings but only 7 of them are open for people to visit. The main hall of the temple houses a statue of Shakyamuni with his disciples Anna and Kayo and a figure of Daito-kokushi, first Abbot of the temple. The Zen garden of the temple is also quiet popular with the visiting tourists. Fushimi-Inari Shrine Established in 711, this shrine is dedicated to the goddess of rice-growing, Ukanomitama-no-mikoto.The temple is highly revered by the tradesmen and the merchants of Japan who seek the blessings of the deity for gaining prosperity.
  
• Ginkakuji Temple : Constructed in 1482 by the eighth Ashikaga Shogun as a country residence, Ginkakuji is a Zen temple. The temple stands by the pool and is a two storeyed structure with the upper one housing the gilded statue of Kannon. The main hall is also located on the upper floor and houses an important statue of Buddha. Quiet closeby is a tea room. The temple is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
  
  
• The Koryuji Temple : Also known as the Uzumasa-dera, the Koryuji Temple was founded by Hata Kawakatsu in 622. The Lecture Hall of this temple is the second oldest building of Kyoto and houses three statues - seated Buddha, thousand - handed Kannon and Fukukenjaku-Kannon. The temple also has a museum displaying wooden statues of the Yakushi-nyorai and Miroku-bosatsu. From March to November, the temple is open from 9 am to 5 pm while from December to February, it is open from 9 am to 4.30 pm.
  
  
• The Nishi-Honganji Temple : The primary temple of the original Jodo-shinsu sect, the Nishi-Honganji Temple is open to public only partially. The main hall of the temple has a statue of Amida while the Founder's Hall has a much revered statue of Shinran, probably carved by himself in 1244. The treasury has a richly carved gateway, Kara-mon.
  
  
• Sanjusangen-do : The temple was orginally constructed in 1164 but the structure that is seen today came up in 1266. Worthseeing in this temple is the 1001 statues of "Kannon with a Thousand Hands". The statue in the centre is around 10 feet tall. From November to March, the temple is open from 9 am to 4 pm while from April to October, it is open from 9 am to 5 pm.