[2025 Kyoto Attraction] Travel Guide for Shorin-ji (Updated Feb)

📍Address: 〒605-0981 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Honmachi, 15 Chome−795 🚗Transportation: Take the train to Tofukuji Station, then walk ⏰Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00–16:00 🎟️Tickets: JPY 800 for adults, JPY 500 for children 💗Other tips: The omamori and goshuin at Shorin-ji Temple are updated seasonally, and the flower hand-washing basin is updated regularly

Shorinji Temple, a sub-temple of Tofukuji Temple, was founded in 1550 (Tenbun 19). The temple enshrines Bishamonten, the god of wealth and victory, as its principal deity and protects the northeastern direction (kimon) of Tofukuji Temple. The main hall is said to have been relocated from the grand entrance of the Konoe family during the Edo period, and in front of it lies a beautiful garden with maple trees. The standing statue of Bishamonten enshrined in Bishamondo is a nearly life-sized wooden statue, holding a treasure tower in the left hand and a trident in the right hand, with an angry expression. It is believed to have been made in the late Heian period. The statue was secretly placed in the ceiling of the Buddha hall of Tofukuji Temple for a long time, but was discovered during the Edo period through a spiritual revelation by the temple's founder, Kogaku Reisho, and has since been enshrined as the principal deity of Shorinji Temple. The accompanying statues of Kisshoten and Zennishi Doji are both from the Edo period and retain their vivid colors. The temple offers zazen meditation experiences, consisting of two 15-minute sessions, along with a Dharma talk by the chief priest. It also hosts sutra copying and Buddha drawing experiences.

Shorin-ji Temple, known for its flower umbrellas and flower hand water decorations, is also known as Kyoto's Women's Temple. Unlike Yanggu Temple, which is difficult to reach by public transportation, Shorin-ji Temple is near Tofuku-ji Temple, not far from walking down the Nara line to Tofuku-ji Temple.