Shinnyodo
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TEL :075-771-0915 (9:00〜16:00) Address :82 Jodoji Shinnyocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto Access :JR Kyoto Station > (city bus number 5 ) > Kinrinshako mae bus stop > 8 minutes walk |
Introduction to Shinnyodo temple
This temple was founded in 984. Shinnyodo is a common name; its official name is Gokurakuji. The principal image of worship is Amida Buddha (Amitabha), who is said to save women.
The main hall, built in 1717, is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
Built in 1817, the three-story pagoda is approximately 30 meters (98.43 feet) tall.
Viewing of the main hall and garden
You can enter the main hall for free, except for the area at the back. Inside, you can see a dazzling altar and Buddhist implements.
You can also go further inside by paying an entrance fee.
As you walk down the corridor, you will come to the study. Here you’ll find a dry landscape garden called the Nirvana Garden. The stone arrangement at the back represents the reclining Buddha and the disciples and animals gathered around him.
There are also gardens called “Zuien Garden” , which feature geometric patterns. This garden represents the Buddhist teaching that things change form depending on the conditions.
In March, a large Nirvana painting measuring 6.2 meters (20.34 feet) in height and 4.5 meters (14.76 feet) in width will be specially exhibited, and in November, a mandala painting measuring 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height and 4.4 meters (14.44 feet) in width will be specially exhibited.
There are many other temple treasures as well.
Other highlights
In front of the main hall is a monument shaped like a camera commemorating the birth of Kyoto cinema.
Shinnyodo Temple has a legend associated with Abe no Seimei (921-1005), who is famous as an Onmyoji (diviner). It is said that when he died unexpectedly and was brought before King Yama, the Fudo Myoo of this temple came to his rescue and brought him back to life.
The five-element symbols, which symbolize this resurrection, are inscribed on amulets and votive tablets.
There is also the legend of Kyubi no kitsune (The nine-tailed fox). This monster is said to have transformed into a beautiful woman, deceived the Chinese emperor, and brought ruin to the country. Later, she traveled to Japan and befriended Emperor Toba, but her true identity was discovered by Abe no Yasuchika (1110-1183?). He is a descendant of Abe no Seimei.
In the end, she fled to what is now Tochigi Prefecture, but after being defeated, she turned into a stone that kills any living thing that comes near it.
The Jizo Bodhisattva (Ksitigarbha) statue, carved after the evil spirits that had possessed the stone were brought to peace, is enshrined in this hall.
Seasonal scenery
There are many cherry trees on the temple grounds, and they bloom in full glory in the spring.
The autumn foliage is also magnificent. While entry to the temple grounds is usually free, an admission fee is required during the autumn foliage season.
