Shorenin Temple, Kyoto

“Shorenin Monzeki” (head priest of Shorenin temple), one of Tendai sect’s three Monzeki Temples (a temple in which the head priest was traditionally a member of the Imperial Family or Regent Family). In addition to the light-up that takes place in the spring and autumn, the stunning gardens of the landscape gardener in the Muromachi era and the spectacular view from the grand stage on the precincts make you want to take photos unintentionally.
At “Shorenin Monzeki Temple”, the garden is lit up every spring and autumn. 1,000 large and small lighting fixtures illuminate the precincts of trees, bamboo forests, moss gardens, and so on.
“Shijoko Nyorai”, praised as a principal, is also called the incarnation of light, and “Shorenin Monzeki Temple” has a deep connection with “light”. While enjoying the light, you can enjoy a different expression of the garden from the daytime.
“Shorenin Monzeki Temple” originated from Shorenbou (a monk’s dungeon) made by Dengyo Daishi Saicho who founded Tendai Sect in the Heian period. Along with Sanzen-in Temple and Myoho-in Temple in Kyoto, this is a well-established temple that is counted among the three Monzeki Temples of the Grand Head Temple of the Tendai sect Enryaku-ji Temple. The location is about a 5-minute walk from Higashiyama Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line.
The highlights of “Shorenin Monzeki Temple”, Monzeki Temple of Tendai Sect, which boasts a high standard, are packed. Elegant buildings such as Shinden (Emperor’s residence) and Kogosho (head priest’s living room) connected in the hallway. The circuit style garde, which changes with the seasons, and Kacho-den (drawing room). Many tourists come from Japan and overseas during the special light-up spring and autumn nights.
One of the attractions of Shorenin Monzeki Temple is Kacho-den. This is a room to welcome guests. As expected, there is only a guest hall, and the main garden of the Shorenin Monzeki Temple, the “Soami Garden” is the best place to see. The bold Fusuma-e (Painting on a sliding screen) is also a highlight. When it is lit up during the special viewing period at night, a tea ceremony is set up, and green tea and sweets are provided, allowing you to enjoy the garden slowly.

The present chief priest is also the master of the former royal family

Shorenin Monzeki Temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto is the temple of Tendai sect. “Monzeki” is a general term for the temple where the Imperial Family and the Imperial Court act as a chief priest. It is a very prestigious temple and it is counted in both Kyoto’s three major Monzeki and Kyoto Gokashitsu Monzeki.
The Imperial Household and the priest of the Sekkan-ke graduate (the families which produced regents and chief advisers to the Emperor) have acted as the chief priest from generation to generation, and the present chief priest is also the master of the former royal family.

The night viewing is a different fantastic atmosphere from the daytime

The site of Shorenin Monzeki is over 3000 square meters, and its whole is designated as a historical site of the country. In the precincts there are five trees of Camphor trees designated as a natural treasure in Kyoto City, as well as famous as the landmarks of autumn leaves and cherry blossoms.
A period is divided in spring and autumn, and the light up of the garden and the night viewing are performed, and you can enjoy a different fantastic atmosphere from the daytime.

The camphor tree designated as a natural treasure in Kyoto city

Nagaya-mon gate of Shorenin Monzeki Temple has relocated the gates of the former palace where Empress Meisho lived. It is built in front of the entrance on the right hand side and is surrounded by big trees. This camphor tree is the one designated as a natural treasure in Kyoto city and is a famous name which Shinran Shonin planted.

The garden of “Soami” is particularly popular and beautiful

Shorenin Monzeki’s cathedral is wonderfully majestic for its Jikaku (Status of the Temple). The present Buddhist temple group was built in early stages of the Edo period also in the oldest buildings, and the things before them do not remain. Still, if you look around the precincts, the height of Jikaku and the style of history are fully felt. Since the precincts of the temple are large, it is recommended taking time to observe it.
The Kacho-den (drawing room) is a building corresponding to Kyakuden (reception hall) in a general temple. The garden of “Soami” (three great artists of the ‘Ami’ school) to look out from this building is particularly popular and beautiful.

The “Ryushinchi” pond is famous for its beauty

The garden of “Soami” is the most popular place for visitors in the main garden of Shorenin Temple.
It was built in the Muromachi period, the Chisen-kaiyushiki-teien style (a stroke-style garden around a big pond) centered on the pond called “Ryushinchi”. The “Ryushinchi” pond is famous for its beauty, but artificial hill centering around the high masonry waterfall located on the south side of the opposite shore is also brilliant. Not only a flower but many trees are planted, a cherry tree in spring and autumnal leaves in autumn can be enjoyed.

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