A Peaceful Atmosphere at Shorenin in Kyoto

Shoren-in is located in the Kyoto and Higashiyama area, about a 10-minute walk from Yasaka Shrine. It is one of the Tendai School’s Sanmonzeki and is famous for its beautiful gardens. Many tourists come to visit for the illuminations that take place at Shoren-in during the spring and fall.

About Shoren-in Temple in Kyoto

Shoren-in, a part of the Tendai School’s Sanmonzeki. “Monzeki” are shrines that are passed down along a line of regents and advisers of a monarch. Shoren-in has been served by the royal family since being designated by Emperor Toba.

Highlights of the Shoren-in Temple

After entering the precinct and seeing the inside of the hall, is the garden made by Japanese landscape artist Soami. It is a garden that spreads around Ryushinchi Pond, and it is believed that it was created by the Muromachi period painter, Soami. In Ryushinchi Pond, there is a beautiful stone bridge with a semi-circular arch made of two granite cutstones. There is a large stone in the center of the Ryushin Pond that is described as similar to the "back of a dragon that purifies itself." In addition, visitors to Shoren-in can enjoy the view when the Kirishima Azaleas bloom all over the Kirishima Garden in early May.

In the main hall, the Shijoukou Nyorai (a kind of Buddha) is enshrined.

The History of  the Shoren-in Temple

As the founder of the Tendai School of Japan, Saichou, created Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple, and created a monk's dwelling in each place. One of them, "Shourenbou", is said to be the origin of Shoren-in. It then became a residence of several famous monks, namely Ennin and An-ne. It is said that Shoren-in Temple prospered under the third head priest Jien from the late Heian Period to the Kamakura Period. It is also said that when the Imperial Palace was hit by a great fire in Tenmei Year 8 of the Edo Period (1788), it is said that Former Empress Gosakuramachi stayed in the temple.

Visiting hours and admission fees

Visiting hours are from 9:00-17:00 (reception closes at 16:30) and the admission fee is 500 Yen. In addition, there are nighttime special visits and illuminations during spring and fall. Illuminations are usually from mid-March to early May in spring, in autumn they are from late October to early December, 18:00-22:00 (reception closes at 21:30), and the admission fee is 800 yen.

Spring Illuminations

During the spring and fall nights, the temple uses about 1000 large and small lights to illuminate the entire precinct including the fountains and ponds.

Spot Information

  • Spot name: Shoren-in Temple
  • 69-1 Awadaguchi Sanjobocho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0035

  • Access: Kyoto municipal bus number 5, 46, 100 route to Jingu Michi, and from there approximately 3 minutes on foot; from the Tozai Subway Line Higashiyama Station is about 5 minutes on foot.

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