Shoden-ji Temple

4.5

"A Buddhist temple located a 15-minute walk from the ""Jinkoin-mae"" municipal bus stop. Officially titled the Kisshozan Shoden Gokoku Zen-ji, its principal object of worship is a statue of Gautama Buddha. The main temple building was moved here from the Konchi-in and was originally that temple's smaller abbot's chambers and is famous for its ""bloody ceiling"" whose panels were originally the floorboards of a corridor where more than 380 people, who had barricaded themselves in Fushimi Castle during immediately prior to the Battle of Sekigahara, committed hara-kiri. Other highlights include a rock garden backed by Mt. Hiei with islands of trimmed satsuki azalea bushes floating on a sea of white sand representing the lucky numbers of seven, five, and three; and a screen painting by Kano Sanraku depicting China's West Lake (today located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province)."

Spot details

Address: Kyoto Kyoutoshi Kita-ku Nishigamokitachinjuanchou 72 Map
Area: Around Kamigamo Area
Phone: 0754913259
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: open everyday (May not be able to visit due to events)
Fees: [Admission fee]High school students or above400yen, Junior high school students300yen, Elementary school students200yen
Parking Lot: Available(15spaces, Microbus 5spaces)
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Not available

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Review

Beautiful garden with Mt. Hiei

Reviewed : 2020.07.13

This old temple is a highlight of Nishigamo area. There is a famous garden, which benefits the landscape of Mt. Hiei. The main building, with the paintings of Kano Sanraku, is designated as an...
David Bowie created a magic story to this hidden gem

Reviewed : 2019.12.02

Its funny how people rate this temple referring to the story that David Bowie had tears in his eyes looking at this temple! Its said he picked this temple when he was asked to act in a TV...
Out of the way temple with a country feel.

Reviewed : 2019.04.25

At least, I think it has a country feel! The difficulty in getting there by bike, coupled with the steps leading up to the main hall were pretty taxing on the legs. The reward was some tastefully...