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.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
783 reviews
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carloscharmy
Bangkok, Thailand780 contributions
Mar 2023
Shoren-in Temple is a captivating Kyoto gem! The fusuma adorned with peacocks and cranes create a breathtaking ambiance. Majestic camphor trees stand tall, adding to the serenity. The lovely garden, a masterpiece of tranquility, enchants with every step. A truly mesmerizing experience, immersing visitors in the essence of Japanese art and nature.
Written July 21, 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.
Marco T
Florence, Italy1,967 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
If what the guides write is true, that is, that Japan contains such a large number of religious buildings that a lifetime would not be enough to visit them all, and given that Kyoto and its region contain a considerable part of them, if I had to indicate which one, among the many that I have explored, the one that has exercised the greatest fascination on me, I would point to this one without hesitation. It is known that it is snubbed due to lack of time by many tourists busy wandering around the buildings of the nearby - and very interesting - Chion-in temple complex; but those who have been there will hardly forget the emotion felt in the Zen garden of the Shoren-in. I confess that I have generally dismissed the speeches I have heard or read on the ability of this philosophy to bring about spiritual harmony as former '68 fixations, but here for the first time I have changed my opinion. And even the structure of the temple seemed to be affected by that positive feeling. I doubt that I will embrace Zen once I return home to Italy (also because, to quote a famous book at the time, having never owned or ridden a motorcycle, I wouldn't feel the need), but among the many wonders of Kyoto this one will remain in first place.
Written May 22, 2024
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.
よしめ
Chiba, Japan38,979 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This is the temple where Saint Shinran, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect, was ordained at the age of 9. It is also known as the Awata Palace, as it has a history of being a temporary imperial palace, with members of the imperial family and regent families serving as its head priests. The autumn leaves in the stroll-style pond garden, designed by Soami, were very beautiful. Also, mural artist Kimura has dynamically painted blue lotuses on the sliding doors using modern art materials, which are not to be missed. There is a hair-sucking hall next to the mountain gate.
Written December 17, 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.
Erkki N
Finland884 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.
enjoyyourmealjp
Kobe, Japan62 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
I was told about it by my hostel and visited for the first time. I was amazed to see what a prestigious and historic temple looks like. Apparently it was also an imperial palace, so the interior, with its many layers of blinds, exudes a mysterious and solemn atmosphere. The sense of distance between the emperor and the nobles he serves is sacred, and the aesthetic sense, perfected in its simplicity, is impressive. Nowadays, tours are permitted, weddings are held there, and permanent memorial services are carried out with only the initial fees, which makes you feel both sacred and familiar. The national treasure, Blue Fudo, is enshrined in the inner hall of Shogunzuka Seiryuden, at the top of Higashiyama. It's about a 10-minute taxi ride away.
Written December 27, 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.
geo3
Calgary, Canada2,448 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
This was about a 500 m walk from the Higashiyama subway station, so quite easy to reach. It was surprisingly uncrowded, perhaps because it is not really very spectacular - but the gardens in particular are beautiful.
Since much of the building has tatami mats for flooring, you will have to remove your shoes.
It is also right next door to the Chion-in temple, so combining these two makes an interesting study in contrasts, as Chion-in is on a much grander scale.
Since much of the building has tatami mats for flooring, you will have to remove your shoes.
It is also right next door to the Chion-in temple, so combining these two makes an interesting study in contrasts, as Chion-in is on a much grander scale.
Written August 8, 2024
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.
Ted C
La Mesa, CA190 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
My wife wanted to go to some of the Higashiyama temples Chion-in in particular(big but not beautiful) and thence to Yasaka Shrine (full of Chinese tourists)and the Gion (a mob scene best avoided. So we took the subway from our hotel to the Higashiyama Stop. Came to the surface and walked about 200 meters to the stoplight and turned right. From here you can see the great concrete torii of the Heian Shrine (best avoided). Perhaps two blocks further you will see on your left the entrance to a temple leading throuh a parking area to an entrance..
TAKE IT!
This leads to Shoren-in Temple, originally built to house the 7th son (probably illegitimate) as at that time the Emperor's only function was to produce a male heir, from his wife or a concubine, or in the worst case a chamber maid. Gotta do your duty you know.
It is a lovely small temple of the Tendai Sect, there is a very nice garden, many rooms what you can pass through. The fusama (sliding doors) are painted with contemporary scenes of lotus leaves and flowers. Yes, this is not "traditional" Kyoto, but remember the "famous screens and fusuma you will see elsewhere were contemporary once. I found them charming but I grant it is a matter of taste.
There is NO PARKING for buses, there is NO PARKING for cars hence there are no crowds. this is a biggie even if the temple itself were not so charming.
Is it my favorite temple in Kyoto no, but in its low key way it ranks with the best.
Oh, and if you insist on the Chion-in, Yasaka Jinji,Kennin-ji, Gion tourist route you can easily do them on foot after you experience what a real temple should be. I did and I am 78 with a quad by pass and 7 stents.
TAKE IT!
This leads to Shoren-in Temple, originally built to house the 7th son (probably illegitimate) as at that time the Emperor's only function was to produce a male heir, from his wife or a concubine, or in the worst case a chamber maid. Gotta do your duty you know.
It is a lovely small temple of the Tendai Sect, there is a very nice garden, many rooms what you can pass through. The fusama (sliding doors) are painted with contemporary scenes of lotus leaves and flowers. Yes, this is not "traditional" Kyoto, but remember the "famous screens and fusuma you will see elsewhere were contemporary once. I found them charming but I grant it is a matter of taste.
There is NO PARKING for buses, there is NO PARKING for cars hence there are no crowds. this is a biggie even if the temple itself were not so charming.
Is it my favorite temple in Kyoto no, but in its low key way it ranks with the best.
Oh, and if you insist on the Chion-in, Yasaka Jinji,Kennin-ji, Gion tourist route you can easily do them on foot after you experience what a real temple should be. I did and I am 78 with a quad by pass and 7 stents.
Written November 29, 2018
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.
Trent R
Lakewood, OH73 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
This was far and away my favorite so far of all the wonderful temples and shrines Kyoto has to offer. Less crowded than many of the larger and more popular temples Shoren-in offers one of the best gardens in Kyoto and the peace in which to enjoy it.
I would have been happy to sit on the tatami, listen to the water, and look out on the gardens all morning. I cannot wait for my next visit to Kyoto so I may visit again.
I would have been happy to sit on the tatami, listen to the water, and look out on the gardens all morning. I cannot wait for my next visit to Kyoto so I may visit again.
Written October 1, 2018
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.
cpccat
Sydney, Australia155 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
This temple doesn't feature much in the tourist guides which is probably why it's so special. The guidebooks rave about Chion-in which is definitely impressive and Tenryu-Ji and the bamboo forest (which would be magical if it wasn't so crowded) but if you want to experience a truly serene Buddhist temple without crowds, tourist shops, coach tours and hundreds of people taking selfies, then make this temple a priority. There are four pavilions, the first has a marvellous collection of old style Japanese portraits, the others have beautiful praying areas,. It's set in a lovel garden with a stream with carp and it has its own small bamboo forest. We almost decided to walk past it in favour of Chion -in but we're so impressed we spent well over an hour and a half walking around and sitting in quiet contemplation in the temple buildings and the garden.
We then continued the days excursion through Maruyama-koen, a delightful park full of interesting characters (lots of women and couples dressed in tradional Japanese clothes) and pretty gardens then to Ishibel-koji which Is one of the most beautiful streets we've seen in Japan. It does get crowded as it has an amazing array of little shops and restaurants but it's very traditional in style and has none of the craziness of the main shopping streets either in Tokyo or Kyoto.
We then continued the days excursion through Maruyama-koen, a delightful park full of interesting characters (lots of women and couples dressed in tradional Japanese clothes) and pretty gardens then to Ishibel-koji which Is one of the most beautiful streets we've seen in Japan. It does get crowded as it has an amazing array of little shops and restaurants but it's very traditional in style and has none of the craziness of the main shopping streets either in Tokyo or Kyoto.
Written January 6, 2016
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.
Alex W
Singapore, Singapore1,424 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
I'm not sure why the title of this page says 'temple' because (from what I've read) Shoren-in was never a temple in the usual sense. It's more a villa for chief priests, etc. Consequently, it is vastly different from the massive or sprawling temples that dot Kyoto and its surrounding areas. Shoren-in, while not small, comes across as much more personal and intimate than those public temples with impressively scaled halls. So it was a good change of pace to come here from nearby Chion-in (a huge temple).
Shoren-in has four pavilions, beautifully decorated in classic Japanese style surrounded by a remarkably varied garden.
The garden includes a hillside, and trees, plants, boulders and water have been artfully organised to provide harmony and contrast at the same time. There's even a section that is all bamboo, and another, nearer the house, that is more like a lawn.
Precious!
Entry was 500 yen. Shoren-in is an easy 400m walk from Higashiyama metro station on the East-West (Tozai) line. Would be good to pair it with a visit to Chion-in, only 300 to 400m away, and also for contrast.
Shoren-in has four pavilions, beautifully decorated in classic Japanese style surrounded by a remarkably varied garden.
The garden includes a hillside, and trees, plants, boulders and water have been artfully organised to provide harmony and contrast at the same time. There's even a section that is all bamboo, and another, nearer the house, that is more like a lawn.
Precious!
Entry was 500 yen. Shoren-in is an easy 400m walk from Higashiyama metro station on the East-West (Tozai) line. Would be good to pair it with a visit to Chion-in, only 300 to 400m away, and also for contrast.
Written October 20, 2018
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.
Will they have night illuminations in early April 2020? Or is it march only?
Written December 1, 2019
How long should I spend in the shoren in temple so that I can get a feeling ò thí place?
Written May 2, 2018
"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
Please mark it if this is helpful.
Written December 13, 2016
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