Shorin-in Temple in Ohara
People who exit ultra-famous Sanzen-in temple walk toward north and stop in front of Shorin-in. Most of them look at the main hall briefly and move toward a more famous temple, Hosen-in that is one of sub temples of Shorin-in.
This may be because you can see the main hall, the sole building of the Tendai sect temple, without entering the precinct and you may feel that is enough.
But if you were interested in Buddhist images or Shomyo, Tendai Buddhist chant, you would have good reasons to spend time and admission fee.
History of Shorin-in
Shorin-in temple was founded in 1013 by Jakugen, a son of a prime minister Minamoto no Masanobu, as a fundamental training hall for Tendai Buddhist chant.
The principal Buddhist image of the Tendai sect temple is Amida Nyorai zazo (a seated figure of Amitabha Tathagata). Hondo, or main hall, was rebuilt in 1777. The belfry is assumed to have been built in 17th century. The main hall and the belfry have been designated as Tangible Cultural Property by Kyoto City. The bell and Hokyoin-to, a stone monument that was built in 1316, have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.
The above information is based on the Kyoto city's guide board in front of the temple.
How to get to Shorin-in
- One hour on Kyoto Bus 17 from Kyoto Station to Ohara Bus Stop, then a little more than 10 minutes on foot. or:
- Two minutes' walk from Sanzen-in.
Hours and Admission
9:00-1700
Adult: 300 yen
Junior high school students (9th grader) or younger: 200 yen
Photos
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| Hondo, the main hall of Shorin-in. September 27, 2002 |
Hondo and autumn leaves. November 28, 2000 |
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| Bear tree and autumn leaves. November 28, 2000 |
The autumn leaves and Hondo. November 28, 2000 |
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| A structure member of Hondo. August 23, 2007 |
Decoration above the front door of Hondo. August 23, 2007 |
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| The principal Buddhist image in Hondo. August 23, 2007 |
Inside of Hondo. August 23, 2007 |
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| The belfry. The bell is an Important Cultural Property. August 23, 2007 |
Stone monuments. On the upper left is Hokyoin-to, an Important Cultural
Property. August 23, 2007 |