Shoren-in Temple (Shoren-in Monzeki)
Shoren-in Temple (Shoren-in Monzeki)
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Shoren-in temple is one of the five Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect in Kyoto; the head priests at these temples originally belonged to the imperial family. The atmosphere at the temple is solemn and peaceful, similar to the ambiance of the Imperial Palace; this kind of an environment can only be found at Shoren-in temple. For all the abovementioned reasons and more, make sure to visit Shoren-in temple when visiting Higashiyama in Kyoto. Further, we recommend a visit to Shogunzuka Dainichi temple, which is an isolated structure within Shorenin temple estate. In Shogunzuka Dainichi-do temple compound, there are two observatories that offer visitors a view of the entire city of Kyoto; there is also a garden that boasts of the natural beauty of the four seasons.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
776 reviews
Excellent
489
Very good
222
Average
52
Poor
9
Terrible
4
Victorya D
52 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
This temple looks more like a traditional Japanese home with tatami mats and open walls into garden. This is a must do if you want a glimpse into historical Japan.
Written April 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ManchesterAlbion
Manchester337 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Shoren-in is often neglected, bypassed by people on their way to Chion-in next door. But this is a super temple that allows you to effectively walk through a beautiful house and explore equally beautiful gardens. The access offered the visitor is a real feature of this place, which is very memorable indeed.
Written November 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erkki N
Finland872 contributions
Oct 2019
Shoren-in has a stroll garden you can also view from the temple veranda. One side of the garden has a pond with islands and a miniature stone pagoda in the background, while other only has a moss-covered field and ancient, huge trees. A special feature of the temple is the colourful curtains veiling one of the halls. Competition between temples is hard in Kyoto, to be honest I could probably pass this one.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HappySundays
Narrabeen, Australia114 contributions
Nov 2019
I first visited Shoren-in about 30 years ago. Fortunately it is off the tourist trail and sees few visitors. Sitting on the vast tatami matted room looking out over the garden is one of my favourite things in the whole world. Impossible to define. Some of the camphor trees at Shoren-in are 800 years old. A must to see.
Written December 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William S
Kobe, Japan1,249 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
Shoren-in is a beautiful, peaceful and restful temple that is not so much on the tourist trail. Perhaps the abundance of temples in the area leaves fewer to visit here. But it is worth the trip for the gardens alone. Gorgeous views and beautiful buildings.
Written October 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeremy D
London, UK14 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
After getting our long way there, we were told by this totally unfriendly guy, sitting next to the tripadvisor excellence logo, that we cannot enter wearing kimono. Which is what almost 50% of Kyoto tourists are wearing, and that wasn’t a problem in the other 15+ other temples that we visited. Actually the talk was “no kimono” and when asked why, the guy closed his counter and went behind. These guys really know how to welcome tourists. NOT RECOMMENDED and do many other places to see. Go give your 1000 yen to someone else.
Written August 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angmohgao
United States388 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
For some reason the tour groups skip this place. It's the former home of the emperor. Really important and beautiful place. Take time to relax and enjoy it.
Written July 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
petertaylor57
Auckland Central, New Zealand342 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
Once again, depending on where you start your Higashiyama trek, you will probably visit this one. It's a pleasant enough place with a small stone garden, the main thing being the moss garden which was in pretty poor condition when I was there. However, worth a visit and perhaps half an hour of your time.
Written June 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hristina
7 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We were there by night and the temple was illuminated. It looked like a place from a tail, both the temple and the garden.
We came back during the day to see it again and we were not disappointed - beautiful screens and even more beautiful ukiyo-e. Must see.
We came back during the day to see it again and we were not disappointed - beautiful screens and even more beautiful ukiyo-e. Must see.
Written June 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveling5000
Madison, WI43 contributions
May 2019
We had a really peaceful and quiet visit. There were not many people when we first arrived which made the experience exceptional. There are many beautiful paintings and the gardens are lovely. There is also a bamboo forest. Would recommend.
Written May 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steptoad
United Kingdom306 contributions
Will they have night illuminations in early April 2020? Or is it march only?
HienAnj
Leeuwarden, The Netherlands64 contributions
How long should I spend in the shoren in temple so that I can get a feeling ò thí place?
laurelee36
Dallas, TX162 contributions
Ditto...1 to 2 hours
What is the night visit schedule for Dec 2016?
hfot2 🌸🍁🌸
Vermont7,127 contributions
"Hours 9:00 to 17:00 (and 18:00 to 22:00 during spring and autumn evening illuminations)" according to their listing on Japan Guide
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Shoren-in Temple (Shoren-in Monzeki), Kyoto
Frequently Asked Questions about Shoren-in Temple (Shoren-in Monzeki)
- Shoren-in Temple (Shoren-in Monzeki) is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- We recommend booking Shoren-in Temple (Shoren-in Monzeki) tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Shoren-in Temple (Shoren-in Monzeki) tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Shoren-in Temple (Shoren-in Monzeki):
- (0.14 mi) Eco and Tec Kyoto
- (0.06 mi) Awatasanso
- (0.14 mi) Guest House Ga-Jyun
- (0.13 mi) The Hotel Higashiyama By Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
- (0.15 mi) Hotel Mastay Jingumichi
- Restaurants near Shoren-in Temple (Shoren-in Monzeki):
- (0.07 mi) Tofu Cuisine Rengetsuchaya
- (0.05 mi) Yamanaka Cafe
- (0.09 mi) Saimi Kokaji
- (0.08 mi) Kenroku
- (0.08 mi) Kasuian
- Attractions near Shoren-in Temple (Shoren-in Monzeki):
- (0.02 mi) Shorenin Garden
- (0.10 mi) Chion-in Temple
- (0.08 mi) Chion-in Temple Hojo Garden
- (0.08 mi) Chion-in Temple Amidado
- (0.08 mi) Chion-in Temple Gobyo