Rokkaku-do - Kyoto

Rokkaku temple is located southeast of the intersection of Karasuma and Sanjo street in central Kyoto.

Its official name is Chohoji but as its main hall is hexagonal and that roku means 6 in Japanese, it is commonly called Rokkaku-do.

It has been founded by Prince Shotoku in 587 to enshrine Nyorin Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. 

The temple is the site of the birth and development of ikebana, the Japanese art of arranging flowers. Indeed, flowers started to be placed on the altars when Buddhism was introduced in Japan in about 538.

Taishi-do hall

The 16 disciples of Buddha. The are called rakan which is the name given to the monks who guard the teaching of Buddha.

Jizo facing north in direction of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, standing guard over the imperial family.