Although not many people visit Shoren-in Temple (and garden), those in the know call it one of the most beautiful in Kyoto. I went there on the morning of December 31, and it was practically empty, which suited me just fine. Built in the late 13th Century, part of the temple's fame comes from its connections over the centuries to the Royal Family. The buildings are laid out around a central garden and pond. Rooms are wide and spacious and beautiful. The wood is dark and old, and there are a lot of reds to match the darkness of the wood. Colorful lotus door paintings are a delight! A path winds its way up through a bamboo grove and, at the top, provides a splendid view of the surrounding countryside.
- 1 min read
Beautiful Shoren-in Temple, Kyoto
A superb mixture of old and new
Community writer
Join the discussion
Mandy Bartok
8 years ago
I visited Shoren-in sometime last year and really loved the vivid painted screens. Imagine my surprise when a year later, I was wandering around the Yasaka Pagoda area and there was a shop whose interior had been painted by the exact same artist, Hideki Kimura!
Debra Mae Carino
8 years ago
I went to Kyoto earlier this year and visited Shoren-in as suggested by a Japanese friend of mine. The entrance alone is so wonderful. I love that tree ;)
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Find and book quality accommodations for your next trip to Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Kurobe Unazuki Canyon Route to Link with Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
News -
2
Tokyo One of the World's Most Walkable Cities
Transportation -
3
2-Day Hachijojima Retreat: Recharge Your Mind and Body
Tokyo - Sponsored -
4
Yuranza
Culture - Sponsored -
5
Extraordinary Experiences in the Great Nature of Izu-Oshima, the Closest Island From Central Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
6
Valley of Witches: a New Ghibli Park Attraction
Aichi -
7
2024 Grand Sumo Tournaments
Culture -
8
Mount Omuro
Shizuoka -
9
Tokyo Takes 2nd Place on Top Coffee Cities List
Food -
10
Sapporo Beer Opens New Brewery in Tokyo’s Ebisu
News
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
3
Hachiko Statue in Shibuya
Tokyo -
4
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
5
Shibuya Crossing
Tokyo -
6
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
7
Kanamara Penis Festival
Kanagawa -
8
Guide to PASMO Cards
Guide -
9
Guide to Suica Cards
Transportation -
10
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture