Discovering the Highlights of Shoren-in Temple in Kyoto! Featuring National Treasure Ao Fudo and a Beautiful Strolling Garden

Shoren-in Temple, also known as Shoren-in Monzeki, is a Tendai-sect temple located in the Awataguchi area of Higashiyama, Kyoto.

This temple, founded by the revered Tendai monk Saicho, is one of the three monzeki temples of the Tendai school, where members of the imperial family and nobility have historically served as head priests. Many of the temple’s leaders were of imperial descent, adding to its unique and noble heritage.

Among its treasures is the “Ao Fudo,” a stunning National Treasure and one of Japan’s three most famous Fudo Myo-o statues. Shoren-in is also known for its seasonal garden illuminations in spring and summer, which create a magical evening atmosphere. With a rich collection of historic buildings, treasures, and a lovely strolling garden, Shoren-in Temple offers plenty to explore and appreciate. As a frequent visitor, I’ll share its unique charm from a local perspective!

What Makes Shoren-in Temple Special?

Shoren-in Temple, located in the lush Higashiyama area of Kyoto, is a Tendai-sect Buddhist temple known for its peaceful atmosphere, historic architecture, and beautiful gardens.

This temple has deep ties to Japan’s imperial family and stands as a prestigious monzeki temple, a special status in Japanese Buddhism that reflects its noble connections.

All of Shoren-in’s buildings are connected by covered walkways, allowing visitors to explore areas like the Kacho-den Hall and the Ko-gosho Hall as they walk through. The garden, designed by renowned landscape artist Soami over 500 years ago, uses Mt. Awata as a natural backdrop, creating a scenic view that has been admired for centuries.

During spring and autumn, the garden is lit up at night, transforming it into a vibrant display of seasonal colors. With National Treasures, Important Cultural Properties, and a collection of natural monuments, Shoren-in Temple offers a rich cultural experience in Kyoto.

History of Shoren-in Temple

Shoren-in Temple began as a small monk’s residence called “Shoren-bo” in the southern valley of Mt. Hiei.

In the late Heian period, the temple moved down the mountain under the guidance of the monk Gyogen. Later, in the Kamakura period, it was relocated to its current, elevated site to avoid frequent river flooding.

In 1150, the temple’s status rose when it became a prayer site for the Empress, and its prestige grew further when Emperor Toba’s son joined as a disciple of Gyogen. This noble connection transformed Shoren-in into a high-ranking temple.

Notable historical figures, including Jien, the monk who wrote the famous Gukansho chronicle in the early Kamakura period, and Yoshinori, who later became Ashikaga Yoshinori, the 6th shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, served as head monks here.

During the Edo period, Shoren-in served as a temporary imperial palace after a great fire in Kyoto destroyed the imperial residence, earning it a designation as a National Historic Site known as the “Former Imperial Residence of Shoren-in.”

The temple’s current buildings were reconstructed after a fire in 1893, and the Kobuntei Study Hall, which was historically used for academic studies, was restored as recently as 1995.

Visitor Information for Shoren-in Temple

• Address: 69-1 Awataguchi Sanjobo-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
• Map: Google Maps
• Phone: 075-561-2345
• Closed: Open year-round
• Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
• Admission: Adults ¥500, Junior and High School Students ¥400, Elementary School Students ¥200
• Official Website: Shoren-in Temple

Shoren-in is a peaceful temple surrounded by the natural beauty of Higashiyama, and it’s easily accessible by bus or train. Since you’ll need to remove your shoes indoors, it’s a good idea to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as well as comfortable walking shoes for the gardens.

During spring and autumn, the temple offers a special night visit with a seasonal garden illumination. This requires a separate fee. For example, in autumn 2019, the night hours were from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with admission costing ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for students. The theme and details of the illuminations vary each year, so check the official website beforehand.

Shoren-in also has an additional, detached area called Shogunzuka. To visit Shogunzuka, there is a separate fee of ¥500 for adults, ¥400 for junior and high school students, and ¥200 for elementary school students.

With treasures, historical buildings, and beautiful gardens, Shoren-in Temple is a place you can enjoy year-round. Spring and autumn are especially popular seasons to visit, as the trees display vibrant seasonal colors. However, please note that some areas do not allow photography.

How to Access Shoren-in Temple

Shoren-in Temple is easy to reach despite its elevated location. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the nearest train station and also within walking distance from popular bus stops.

The temple is close to famous sites like Maruyama Park, Chion-in Temple, and Yasaka Shrine, so you can easily explore the area and visit multiple attractions in one trip.

It’s approximately a 30-minute journey from JR Kyoto Station, making it convenient to reach from the city center.

Access by Bus

• From JR Kyoto Station, take City Bus #5, #46, or #100 to the “Jingu-michi” stop, then walk 5 minutes (about 25 minutes in total).
• From Hankyu Kawaramachi Station, take City Bus #5 or #46 to “Jingu-michi,” then walk 5 minutes (about 20 minutes in total).

Access by Train

• From Higashiyama Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line, it’s a 5-minute walk.
• From Keihan Sanjo Station, it’s a 10-minute walk.
• From Hankyu Kawaramachi Station, it’s about a 20-minute walk.

Access to Kyoto

• From Itami Airport: About 50 minutes by Limousine Bus
• From JR Tokyo Station: About 2 hours 10 minutes by Nozomi Shinkansen
• From JR Osaka Station: About 29 minutes by Special Rapid Service
• From JR Nara Station: About 47 minutes by Miyakoji Rapid
• From JR Sannomiya Station: About 51 minutes by Limited Express
• From Kansai International Airport: About 75 minutes by Airport Express

Highlights of Shoren-in Temple

Shoren-in Temple is a prestigious monzeki temple with ties to the Japanese Imperial Family. Nestled on a hillside in Higashiyama and surrounded by nature, it has a serene, hidden-gem atmosphere.

The temple features various attractions, including indoor areas where you’ll remove your shoes, the beautiful Kirishima Garden, and a strolling-style garden, offering multiple ways to explore and enjoy.

1. Kacho-den: Stunning Fusuma Art and Scenic Views from the Veranda

Starting your visit, you’ll pay the entrance fee at an entrance resembling a traditional residence, then step into the indoor areas.

Right outside the main gate, five ancient camphor trees, said to have been planted by Saint Shinran himself, line the entrance. These trees are designated natural treasures by Kyoto City.

Inside, you’ll first encounter the guest hall known as Kacho-den. Above the walls hang framed portraits of Japan’s “36 Immortal Poets” from Fujiwara no Kintō’s anthology, creating an ambiance filled with traditional Kyoto charm.

Kacho-den features vibrant fusuma (sliding door) paintings by artist Hideki Kimura. These 60 stunning panels, painted in bold colors, are a highlight of Shoren-in. Notably, this area allows photography, so you can capture these beautiful artworks as a souvenir.

The veranda at Kacho-den is one of Shoren-in’s best scenic spots. From here, you can sit and admire the garden created by famed designer Soami. For an even more relaxing experience, enjoy a bowl of matcha tea while taking in the view.

The views from Kacho-den are so picturesque that they have appeared on posters promoting Kyoto. Each season brings new colors and changes to the landscape, making every visit unique.

2. Historic Monzeki Temple Architecture: Kogosho and Shinden

Beyond the garden view from Kacho-den lies Kogosho, a hall originally used as the residence of the temple’s head priest in the late Heian period. The view of Kogosho in harmony with its surrounding garden and the natural beauty of Higashiyama showcases the delicate blend of natural and man-made beauty.

You can admire Kogosho from the area around Kacho-den, but for a closer look, you can also walk down into the garden. Behind Kogosho, Shishikodo Hall houses a replica of the temple’s main deity, Shishikodo Nyorai, as well as a replica of the temple’s famed Ao Fudo. Please note that photography is not permitted in this hall, so be sure to take in these significant pieces in person.

The Ao Fudo, a National Treasure, is regarded as one of Japan’s five main Fudo Myo-o deities and is believed to represent an incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai (Vairocana).

West of Kogosho, you’ll find the largest building on the grounds, the Shinden. This impressive structure, built in the irimoya style with tile roofing, was rebuilt after a fire in 1893 using parts of a palace once occupied by Emperor Go-Mizunoo’s daughter, Tokugawa Ieyasu’s granddaughter. This architectural feature, unique to monzeki temples, serves as the main hall for important ceremonies and enshrines memorial tablets of former temple head priests.

The Shinden is also known as the Otokudo-no-Ma, as it’s the place where Saint Shinran took his vows as a monk under the third head priest, Jien. Within, you can find the Hamamatsu-zu Fusuma (sliding door paintings), designated as Important Cultural Properties. Enjoy this hall’s remarkable 100-year history and architecture, which captures a blend of Edo-period elegance and religious significance.

3. Seasonal Views and Illuminations: Soami’s Garden and Kirishima Garden

Shoren-in Temple has two beautiful gardens where you can experience the changing seasons.

One of these, Soami’s Garden, is a strolling pond garden centered around Ryushin Pond. You can enjoy the view from Kacho-den and later explore the garden paths. This pond-centered landscape is designed to showcase the seasonal beauty, with each visit offering a different perspective. Shoren-in’s entire grounds are recognized as a nationally designated historic site, making it a truly special place to revisit throughout the year.

A highlight in Soami’s Garden is the graceful stone bridge called Kororyo Bridge, which curves over Ryushin Pond. Nearby, you’ll see Senshin Waterfall, a small cascade carefully positioned to enhance the garden’s balance. In the middle of the pond sits a large stone, weighing over 7,500 kg, symbolizing a dragon at rest.

Kirishima Garden, created by master gardener Kobori Enshu, offers another beautiful view. Known as a daimyo, architect, and tea master, Enshu was active in the late Azuchi-Momoyama to early Edo periods, and he designed this garden with his signature style of harmony and balance. The garden is named after the Kirishima azaleas planted along the slope behind Kobuntei Pavilion. In early May, these azaleas burst into a stunning sea of red.

Every spring and autumn, Shoren-in hosts special evening illuminations throughout the grounds. This tradition ties back to the temple’s principal deity, Shishikodo Nyorai, a symbol of light, and the powerful Fudo Myo-o, whose connection to fire also inspires the illuminations. The National Treasure Ao Fudo (Blue Fudo) is highlighted with vibrant blue lighting, casting a mysterious glow over the grounds.

During the illuminations, over 1,000 lights illuminate the temple, creating a dreamlike ambiance. The garden around Ryushin Pond, the bamboo grove glowing in blue, and other scenes take on an entirely new atmosphere. This event offers a memorable setting perfect for a quiet evening with friends or a romantic date.

4. Hidden Gems: Serene Bamboo Grove and Historic Treasures

Shoren-in Temple’s gardens have several hidden gems that visitors often overlook.

One of these is the tranquil bamboo grove beyond Kirishima Garden. This peaceful path is lined with tall bamboo, creating an awe-inspiring view that feels almost otherworldly. During evening illuminations, the bamboo glows with a stunning blue light, adding to its mystique. Even during the day, this spot offers a serene atmosphere that feels far removed from typical tourist sites.

Near Kirishima Garden is Kobuntei, a building originally used as a study hall for Emperor Go-Sakuramachi when Shoren-in served as a temporary palace. Later, it became a teahouse, though it burned down in 1993 and was rebuilt in 1995 using the original wood and construction methods from its time as a study hall. While usually closed to the public, Kobuntei opens for special viewing periods each spring and fall (from the spring equinox to May 5, and on weekends and holidays in November). During these events, visitors can enjoy matcha or sencha with sweets for a 1,000 yen fee.

Another hidden treasure at Shoren-in is a group of five ancient camphor trees said to have been planted by Shinran Shonin. Designated as city natural monuments, these majestic trees, each over a century old, blend beautifully into the temple landscape and create a sense of history. They stand proudly along the pathway, with roots extending deeply into the ground—a peaceful spot that many visitors tend to miss.

At the top of a staircase alongside the bamboo grove is Hiyoshi Shrine, a small guardian shrine of Shoren-in. This shrine, dedicated to the guardian deity of Tendai Buddhism, was originally brought here from Hiyoshi Shrine on Mt. Hiei.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Around Shoren-in Temple

The Higashiyama area, where Shoren-in Temple is located, is filled with popular tourist attractions. You can easily spend an entire day exploring this vibrant part of Kyoto.

1. Yasaka Shrine: A Beloved Power Spot for Good Fortune

Only a 10-minute walk from Shoren-in and a short stroll from the “Gion” bus stop, Yasaka Shrine is a must-visit. Known as a power spot for good fortune, it enshrines several deities, including the legendary Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Locals affectionately call this shrine Gion-san, and it’s famous for hosting the Gion Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s top three festivals.

The main hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property, features a unique architectural style called Gion-zukuri, with a large roof covering both the worship hall and main hall. The shrine also guards the eastern part of Kyoto, known as the “Blue Dragon” area. One intriguing feature of the main hall is the dragon carving on its pillar, known as the Ryuboe or “Dragon’s Roar”—clap your hands, and you might hear the dragon “respond” with a roaring sound.

The large Nishiromon Gate at the west entrance is an iconic symbol of Gion and is also an Important Cultural Property. Many visitors enjoy taking photos here to capture the impressive structure as a backdrop.

Yasaka Shrine’s expansive grounds are dotted with unique attractions, including a mystical Chikara Mizu (Power Water), said to contain the strength of a dragon deity, and the Tadamori Lantern, mentioned in The Tale of the Heike. There are also power spots popular with women, such as those for beauty and matchmaking.

Kodai-ji Temple: A Temple with Deep Ties to Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Kodai-ji Temple, a 7-minute walk from the “Higashiyama Yasui” bus stop and Shoren-in Temple, is a Zen temple of the Kennin-ji school, with close ties to Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his wife, Nene (also known as Kita-no-Mandokoro).

Built by Nene to honor Hideyoshi’s memory, Kodai-ji serves as both a place of worship for Amida Nyorai and a mausoleum dedicated to Hideyoshi and Nene.

One of the temple’s main highlights is the Kaizan-do Hall, built in 1605 and designated an Important Cultural Property. Inside the hall, visitors can see a statue of priest Sanko Shoeki, invited to oversee the temple when it joined the Rinzai Zen school.

Surrounding the hall is the Hojo Garden, designed by the famous landscape artist Kobori Enshu and recognized as a nationally designated scenic spot. Various camera-marked photo spots around the garden ensure that you capture stunning views.

Set on a scenic hillside in Higashiyama, like Shoren-in, Kodai-ji is embraced by seasonal beauty year-round. The Garyuchi Pond, near the Kaizan-do Hall, offers a peaceful scene with tranquil waters surrounded by natural beauty.

Kodai-ji is particularly stunning in autumn when the temple grounds turn vibrant shades of red and yellow. Special illuminations are held throughout the year—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—so visitors can experience the unique beauty of each season.

Chion-in Temple: The Grand Head Temple of Jodo Buddhism

Chion-in Temple, located just a 5-minute walk from the “Chion-in-mae” bus stop in the scenic Higashiyama area, is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, founded by the revered priest Honen. Known for its impressive architecture, the temple flourished with support from the Tokugawa shoguns.

One of its most famous features is the massive Sanmon Gate, a National Treasure. This wooden gate, standing 24 meters high and 50 meters wide, is one of the largest of its kind in Japan. Passing through it, visitors symbolically enter a state of enlightenment, as the gate represents the three stages of spiritual awakening: Emptiness (Kūmon), Formlessness (Musōmon), and Non-desire (Muganmon).

At the heart of Chion-in is the Miedo Hall, which enshrines a statue of Honen. The current hall was built by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun, although it is undergoing renovation as of 2019.

Connecting the Miedo Hall and other main buildings is the “Nightingale Corridor,” which makes a bird-like sound when walked on, an ancient security feature designed to alert monks of intruders. If the walk to the main halls feels challenging, especially due to the temple’s elevated location, there is a free shuttle bus available from the Sanmon Gate.

Shoren-in Temple, also nestled in Higashiyama, offers a tranquil setting surrounded by nature. The temple grounds feature highlights like the Soami Garden, a picturesque landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons, and the Kacho-den Hall, whose views are so striking they’ve appeared on Kyoto tourism posters. Despite being close to popular attractions, Shoren-in maintains a calm atmosphere, making it an ideal place for a peaceful stroll through history and scenic beauty.