Shokoku-ji Exterior
Shokoku-ji Exterior © Photo by 663highland, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shokoku-ji相国寺

Shokoku-ji is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. The temple was founded in the 14th century by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and has a long history of being a center for Zen study. The temple is known for its beautiful gardens and its traditional Zen architecture. The main hall, the Hojo, contains a statue of the temple's founder, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, as well as other important religious artifacts. The temple also features several sub-temples, each with their own unique gardens and architectural styles.

One of the most famous sub-temple is the Kyoyochi Pond, a small garden with a pond surrounded by various types of plants, and a waterfall that flows into the pond. The temple is also known for its rock garden, called the Karesansui, which is a traditional Zen garden with gravel and rocks arranged in patterns to represent mountains and rivers. Shokoku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, stroll through the beautiful gardens, and learn about the history and teachings of Zen Buddhism.

Opening Hours

10:00 - 16:00

Admission

Adult: 800 JPY

Address

701 Sokokuji Monzencho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-0898

Getting There

  • Karasuma Imadegawa (烏丸今出川)
  • Doshisha-mae (同志社前)
  • Imadegawa Station (今出川駅)

Links

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