Kankikō-ji

Kankikō-ji is a Buddhist temple affiliated with Ji-shū, located in Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, Japan.

History

Kankikō-ji was founded in 1291 by Shōkai with the support of Grand Chancellor Kujō Tadanori. Shōkai was a close relative and disciple of Ippen, the founder of Ji shū.
During its history, the temple suffered several fires and was completely moved on several occasions: notably between 1573 and 1592, in 1907 and finally in 1975.

Layout

In addition to the main hall dedicated to Amida, Kankikō-ji includes several secondary temples including one dedicated to Jizō Bosatsu.

Treasures

Kankikō-ji is best known for holding the original Illustrated Biography of the Itinerant Monk Ippen since 1299, which is both the oldest surviving document on Ippen's life and the founding of Ji shū and a major work of art among Kamakura period emakimono. The temple is still the legal owner, but for preservation reasons the work is stored at the Kyoto and Nara National Museums.