Jingoji Temple

Jingoji Temple stands on the slopes of Mount Takao, in central Kyoto City. The temple was built more than 1,200 years ago, and the Buddhist priest Kukai -- the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism -- once served as the temple's chief.
The temple grounds located above 350 stone steps have many historical buildings, such as the kondo main hall where the temple’s main statue is enshrined. The temple is also home to many cultural treasures from the Heian (794 to 1185) to Kamakura (1185-1333) periods, such as the "Bonsho" (one of Japan's 3 great bells), "Yakushi-Nyorai" (healing Buddha) statue and a 13th century portrait of the warrior Minamoto Yoritomo, the first ruler of the Kamakura Shogunate. At the west end of the temple compound is Jizo-in temple, where visitors take part in a greatly popular event called Kawarake-Nage, in which they throw pottery to ward off evil spirits.
Jingoji Temple is also famous for its autumn foliage that blankets the temple’s old maple trees with stunning red colors.