Sep 15, 2013 - 1 min read

Ryozen Gokoku Higashiyama

Resting place for Bakumatsu Era Samurai

By John Carter

Community writer

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Ryozen Gokoku shrine offeres incredible views over the city of Kyoto

A large green stone toweres above the staircase as you make your way up the mountain east of Kyoto

Two dragons rise from a pond and lay surrounded by the coins of those who have wished upon them.

Many Samurai were assassinated in the final years of the Tokugawa Shogunate and here they rest

As you climb the first few steps towards the mountains, Gokoku shrine is just bellow you.

The flag of Nippon lined the path to this grave

A memorial to a pilot of the Second World War.

With Kyoto being a hub for historical sights, beating the tourist traps can be difficult but located around the city are spots that are much less crowded but equally as interesting to visit. One such place is Ryozen Gokoku, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the heroes of Japan that helped shape it’s future. Located about a 15 to 20 minute walk from Higashiyama-sou Ryokan, the shrine lies at the foot of the mountains surrounding the east of the city. Upon a ¥200 entrance fee you can pay homage to prominent figures from the Bakumatsu period such as Sakamoto Ryōma as well as enjoying the incredible views over the city.