Ankokuji-cho (安国寺町)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This old Rinzai-sect temple in Ankokuji-cho, Ayabe City, is known as the 'temple of Takauji's birth,' as it is said to be the birthplace of Ashikaga Takauji. Set in a quiet spot in the hills, climbing the stone steps of the approach reveals a thatched-roof mountain gate and main hall. The grounds are surrounded by tall trees, keeping the air noticeably cool even in the height of summer. Since the site is connected to a figure from the history textbooks, reading about its origins together with your children turns the visit into more than just a stroll. It's a fitting stop for spending a quiet morning before the pool and saving your energy for later.

Tips

Visiting hours and the admission fee may change depending on the season and day, so it's reassuring to check in advance. The approach has a continuous run of stone steps, so it's not suited to strollers. Insects are common at certain times of year, so bringing insect repellent will make the visit more comfortable. It's a short walk from the parking lot to the mountain gate.

Best time to visit

About 50 minutes. The tree-shaded grounds stay cool even during the day

Access & map

Ankokuji-cho, Ayabe City, Kyoto 623-0104