Sokujoin temple (Kyoto) Amitabha from the Pure Land

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Sokujoin

TEL :075-561-3443
Address :28 Sennyuji Yamanouchicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Access :Keihan Main Line/Nara Line Tofukuji Station > 12 minutes walk

Amitabha coming to welcome us from the Pure Land

It is a sub-temple of Sennyuji Temple. It was moved to its current location in 1902, but is said to have been founded around the 11th century.

At that time in Japan, social unrest was on the rise due to war and epidemics. Thus, faith in Amitabha, who prays for peace after death, became widespread.

It is said that Amitabha, along with twenty-five Bodhisattvas, comes from the Pure Land to welcome the deceased. Sokujoin Temple has preserved a group of Buddha statues that recreate this scene for nearly 1,000 years. These have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

The Bodhisattvas are carved as playing music, holding instruments such as flutes and drums.

Wishes come true like an arrow

Sokujoin is known as the temple where Nasu no Yoichi worshipped. He was a 12th century military commander and was known as a master archer. There is a famous anecdote about him shooting an arrow through a fan hoisted above a ship during the Genpei War. The popular game Final Fantasy features a weapon called Yoichi’s Bow.

There are amulets and votive plaques named after him.

His grave is located at the back of the temple grounds. It is a stone pagoda that is about 3 meters (9.8ft) tall.

Other highlights

A phoenix spreads its wings on the roof of the gate. This phoenix faces in the direction of Uji, where Sokujoin was originally built.

There is a statue of Kukai and a pair of dogs in the temple grounds. This is based on the legend that he was guided to Mount Koya by a black and white dog.

Sokujoin (Kyoto) Kukai and a pair of dogs

To the right of the main hall is a monument shaped like the earth. In the middle is inscribed “Path of Beauty.” It is said that if you touch it while praying, you will be granted beautiful skin.

Special Events

Every year in mid-January, a tour of the Seven Lucky Gods takes place around the sub-temples of Sennyuji Temple. Each temple enshrines a god, and Sokujoin enshrines Fukurokuju, the god who grants wisdom and longevity. The crane at his feet is a symbol of longevity.

On this day, lucky bamboo is given out in the tmple grounds. Lucky charms distributed by each temple are attached to this bamboo.

The Bodhisattva Procession takes place every year on the third Sunday of October. This is a reproduction of the twenty-five Bodhisattvas who come to welcome us from Pure Land.