Kōryū-ji


Kōryū-ji is a Shingon temple in Uzumasa, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple is also known by the names Uzumasa-dera and Kadono-dera, and was formerly known as Hatanokimi-dera, Hachioka-dera and Hōkō-ji.
Kōryū-ji is said to be the oldest temple in Kyoto, having been constructed in 603 by Hata no Kawakatsu upon receiving a Buddhist statue from Prince Shōtoku. Fires in 818 and 1150 destroyed the entire temple complex, but it was rebuilt several times since.

Wooden statue of Bodhisattva

The temple contains a number of important pieces of cultural heritage. One of national treasures in Japan, a wooden image of the Bodhisattva Maitreya sitting contemplatively in the half-lotus position, called "Hōkan Miroku" is amongst the rare objects that are preserved and displayed at Kōryū-ji.
The temple is also renowned for its Bull Festival, traditionally held in mid-October, but currently suspended.