Shogunzuka

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Attractions > Kyoto > Nature > Kyoto East

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Shogunzuka Mound Kyoto [大番頭]

About

Shogunzuka or also referred to as Shogunzuka Mound (in Japanese; Shogun Zuka 将軍塚) is found in the eastern mountains of the city. Although "mound" in English sounds a bit... unattractive, this attraction is not actually a "mound" but rather the top of a hill and quite beautiful as it over-looks all of Kyoto. Shogunzuka has rich and interesting history as it is said that Emperor Kanmu sat upon this hill and after a little convincing by Wake no Kiyomaro, the Emperor decided to move the capital from Nara to Kyoto. The Emperor also constructed a clay statue of a general, 2.5 meters in height and then adorned the statue with armors, an iron bow and arrow, and swords before he buried it in the mound, as a guardian of the new capital. Therefore, the place is known as Shogunzuka (Shogun meaning Supreme Warlord).

Although the area is part of Shoren-in Temple, it is now well known for it's modern observation deck in which you have an excellent view of Kyoto city. It is a great place to visit in the day or night for spectacular views. There is also a Japanese gardens and of course many cherry trees.

Access

Closest Train Station: Keage

69-1 Sanjobo-cho Awataguchi
Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0035 Japan

Tel: 075-561-2345

by Walk: there are two trails 1.) that starts near Shoren-in Temple next to the Hotel Okura and 2.) from behind Chion-in Temple there is a trailhead. Note that it is NOT an easy trail, pretty steep and will take about an hour.
Public Transportation: Sorry, no public transportation to this site. Best way to get her is by rental car or taxi. By taxi its about a 5-10 min. ride from Keage station or a 30 min. ride from Kyoto station.

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Find a train route and times by Hyperdia & Jorudan

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