Shoren-in Temple

One of our all-time favorite temples in Kyoto, Shoren-in is bypassed by almost all tourists and bus groups.

Shoren-In Temple

Formerly a retreat for the abbot of the Tendai School of Buddhish, Shoren-in is an intimate little temple perfectly situated against the green of the Higashiyama Mountains. Because it was originally built as a residence rather than a religious building, the place looks more like a villa than a temple, and that’s a good thing in this case. The superb buildings look over an exquisite garden, which is centered on a tranquil carp pond.

After inspecting the buildings, you can retrieve your shoes and explore the garden on foot (highly recommended). The way is clearly market and will take you by a fine tea house, where well-connected tea masters hold occasional tea ceremonies. You’ll eventually pass by a fine bamboo grove before coming out to a wide, mossy field. Like Kodai-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Shoren-in occasionally does night light up, which may not be traditional, but they are awesome nonetheless.

Walking Tour: Shoren-in Temple features in our Private Walking Tour of Southern Higashiyama

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Destination

Check-in date

Wed 29 Mar 2023

Check-out date

Thu 30 Mar 2023

English address:
69-1 Sanjobo-cho, Awataguchi, Higashiyama-ku

Japanese address::
東山区粟田口三条坊町69-1

Opening hours:
9am-5pm, last entry 4:30pm

Admission:
Adults: \500
High and junior high school students: \400
Elementary school students: \200

Non-smoking area: Yes

Nearest Transport:
3min walk from Jingu-michi Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 5, 46, or 100 from Kyoto Station
5min walk from Higashiyama Station, Tozai subway line

Telephone: 561-2345

Website:
Official Website (English)

Where Is This Place Located?

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Near To Here:
Shoren-in Temple is located in Kyoto’s Southern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Southern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

Kyoto Walking Tour: Classic Southern Higashiyama

Take in some of Kyoto’s most famous sights and some of its secret spots too, all in one four hour private Kyoto walking tour.
(Four hours duration. Price: ¥33,000 – regular season; ¥30,000 – low season)
More Details About The Tour

Kyoto District Map

• Arashiyama
• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Nishijin
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto