Shorenin-Monzeki
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TEL :075-561-2345 Address :69-1 Awadaguchi Sanjobocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto Access :Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line Higashiyama Station > 5 minutes walk |
Introduction to Shorenin-Monzeki temple
A “Monzeki” is a temple where members of the imperial family or other high-ranking monks serve as abbots. Shorenin is listed as one of the three Monzeki temples of the Tendai sect.
It is said that this temple originated as a dwelling for monks built in the mountains when Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei was founded in the early 9th century. At that time, it was called Shorenbo, and it was home to high-ranking monks such as Saicho, the founder of the Tendai sect.
In the 12th century, Emperor Toba constructed a palace on the present site and renamed it Shorenin.
Highlights of Shorenin-Monzeki Temple
At Shorenin-Monzeki Temple, you can visit various halls, gardens, and cultural artifacts.
Upon entering through the entrance, you will find a wooden corridor leading to the Shinden. This is the largest building where major memorial services are held.
Many sliding screen paintings and old tools are on display here.
The temple grounds also feature a beautiful garden. It’s a pond-centered strolling garden, and you can walk around it.
Visitors are free to ring the temple bell. A low, deep sound resonates in your heart.
Free area
An entrance fee is required to enter the central area of Shorenin-Monzeki Temple. However, the Amida (Amitabha) Hall near the entrance can be visited free of charge.
This is a temple deeply associated with Shinran Shonin. He was a Buddhist monk who trained at Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei (a Tendai sect temple) and later founded the Jodo Shinshu sect. A statue of him, with hair grown from his shaved head, is enshrined here.
It takes about an hour to visit all the sites at Shorenin-Monzeki Temple, so if you’re short on time, it’s recommended to just visit this one site.
Annual event
In October, during the festival of the nearby Awata-jinja Shrine, the portable shrine will visit Shorenin Monzeki. This is a very rare event, as it is held jointly by a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple.
Other information
This temple enshrines a painting of Fudo Myoo (Acala), depicted in blue, which signifies its utmost importance. It was painted over a thousand years ago and is designated a national treasure.
This painting was moved in 2014 to the Seiryuden (Blue Dragon hall), a new building constructed on the summit of Higashiyama, offering a panoramic view of Kyoto city. This hall is about a 10-minute taxi ride from Shoren-in Monzeki.
