Sankoji Temple

Sankoji sits on the hillside adjoining the grounds of Yoshiminedera. It began as the retirement retreat of the priest Genzan and was called the Ojoin of Kitao, but was renamed when someone noticed that the mountain behind it resembles the sanko, a three-pronged ritual implement. The view east from in front of the main hall is excellent, opening over the city of Kyoto toward Uji and Joyo, and the full moon rising over the Higashiyama hills from here is something else. The guest hall, with the whole city laid out below, can be used for a rest — or for gatherings and meals for parties of 5 to 50, by reservation.