Daikakuji Temple, located in Saga-Osawa-cho, is the head temple of the Daikakuji School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The temple's mountain name is Mount Saga, and its principal deities are the Five Great Myoo, centering on Fudo Myoo. This temple is associated with the imperial family, and was built in the early Heian period (794-1185), when Emperor Saga's detached palace was converted into a temple. It is also known as the headquarter of the Saga school of flower arrangement, which is led by Emperor Saga as its founder. Within the precincts of the temple is Osawa Pond, which is said to be the oldest man-made garden pond in Japan, and was built by Emperor Saga in imitation of Lake Dotei in Tang China. The pond is designated as a national scenic beauty spot, and every year around the time of the harvest moon in mid-autumn, the temple holds a “Ganzuki no Yuubei” (moon-watching event), which attracts many visitors and worshippers. Daikakuji Temple is also called “Saga Gosho” (Saga Palace) because Emperor Go-Uda conducted his imperial administration here, and the temple has a deep connection with Japanese political history. In the period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, there was an imperial lineage called the “Daikakuji lineage” named after the temple, and the history of the temple is that it alternated with the Mochimyo-in lineage in the Imperial Throne. At the center of the temple complex is Shinkyoden, which houses the Hannya Shingyo (Heart Sutra), copied by Emperor Saga and other emperors, Gokaido, the front hall, and Godaido, the main hall. These buildings have a courtly architectural style, and the temple still retains the style of a temple associated with the Imperial Household. Furthermore, Daikakuji Temple is also known as a filming location for period dramas, and the Osawa Pond and Myochimon Gate on the temple grounds are frequently used for filming for movies and television. Because of its historical background and beautiful scenery, many cultural assets have been designated, and the temple also holds a number of national treasures and important cultural properties. Daikakuji Temple has high historical and cultural value and is one of the representative temples of Kyoto.