Kyoto City? Temples and Shrines List ?

This shrine was founded in 1160 when Emperor Go-Shirakawa invited the deities from Kumano (Wakayama Prefecture) to be enshrined here. There is a record that Ashikaga Yoshimasa held a cherry blossom viewing party in 1465. It was devastated during the Onin War (1467-1477), but was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

This temple is known as the temple where Princess Matsumushi and Princess Suzumushi, who served Emperor Go-Toba, became nuns. It is usually closed to the public, but is open during special events in spring and autumn. There is a beautiful garden on the temple grounds.

This is the head temple of the Shinshu Bukkoji sect. Every morning at 7:00 AM, services are held in the Amida Hall and the Daishi Hall. The sound of a bell rang out from outside, and we all chanted "Namu Amida Butsu." The chanting was very fast-paced and pleasant to listen to.

Honnoji Temple was founded in 1415. It is the head temple of the Hokke Honmon school of Buddhism. Morning services are held at Honnoji Temple every day from 6am, and anyone is welcome to attend. The sound of the drums was very powerful and electrifying.

I had buddhist vegetarian cuisine at "Shigetsu" located within the temple grounds. It was a charming building with Japanese-style architecture. What I felt after eating the meal was that it was light in flavor but very satisfying. It was not only delicious, but also a meal that taught me about Buddhist thought.

Mugekoin is a Rinzai sect temple located to the east of Shimogamo-jinja Shrine. Zazen (zen meditation ) sessions are held every Saturday from 6pm to 7pm. Beginners and foreigners are welcome.

Daioin is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple that was built in 1603. A Zazen (Zen meditation) session is held in the main hall about once a month. It usually starts at 6:30am on the third or fourth Saturday of each month. No reservations are required to participate.

Daisenin is a sub-temple of Daitokuji Temple, founded in 1509. It is famous for its Hojo (main hall), which is designated as a national treasure of Japan, and its beautiful dry landscape garden. There is a "Premium Zazen Experience Course" for groups of 2 to 6 people.

At Kounji Temple, zazen (zen meditation ) sessions are held every Saturday from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. I happened to be staying at a nearby hotel, so I attended a zazen session. As I was doing zazen, I heard the sound of frogs croaking outside the main hall. As I sat there, breathing slowly, I felt very calm.

Syunkoin is a sub-temple of Myoshinji Temple that was built in 1590. You can rent out the Hojo, an important cultural property, exclusively for a special Zen experience. Zazen instruction is available in English. If you're interested, please make a reservation and participate.