Shinnyo-do (Shinsho-gokuraku-ji) temple
Shinsho-gokuraku-ji is commonly known as Shinnyo-do (Shin'nyo-do). The Tendai-shu sect Buddhist temple is famous for its beautiful colored leaves in late autumn.
Hondo, the main hall and the primary Bddhist image are important cultural assets of Japan.
Karesansui garden of this temple was laid out with typical Shakkei (borrowed scenery) technique by Sone Saburo in 1988.
History of Shinnyo-do
A holly priest of Hiei-zan Enryaku-ji, who was called Kaisan, built a hall in an imperial villa of the mother of Emperor Ichijo in the year 992. Installed in the new hall was Amida-Nyorai that used to be enshrined in Jogyo-do of Enryaku-ji. The hall grew into a huge temple but then lost all the halls by fires of war during Onin war (1467-1477). The temple was rebuilt on the present site in 1484 by donation from Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa after changed its site several times. About 20 years later, they changed the denomination from Tendai-shu sect to Jodo-shu sect and repeatedly moved its site. The temple at last returned to the present location in 1693 and was converted again to Tendai-shu.
How to get to Shinnyo-do
26 minutes by Kyoto City Bus No. 5 from Kyoto Station to Shinnyo-do-mae Bus Stop, then 5 minutes on foot toward west to Higashi-sando (east approach) of the temple.
Hours and Admission
9:00-16:00
To enter Hondo and Shoin:
All except following: 500 yen
High school students: 300 yen
Junior high school students (7th - 9th graders): 200 yen
Elementary school pupils and younger: free
Photos
Click a photo to see a larger image.
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| Omote-sando, the front approach, and Somon gate of Shinnyo-do November 18, 2007 |
The slope from Somon to Hondo. The leaves will be rich red color in late
November. November 18, 2007 |
Higashi-sando, the eastern approach. If you get off a bus at Shinnyo-do-mae
bus stop and go on foot to this temple, you must be careful not to miss
this rather inconspicuous entrance. November 18, 2007 |
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| Hondo, the main hall was built in 1717. "Shinnyo-do" is the name
of this hall but eventually became recognized as the name of this temple. August 23, 2003 |
Hokyoin-to, a stone pagoda, and Hondo. November 18, 2007 |
Fallen leaves of maple trees in red and ginkgo trees in yellow. November 25, 2002 |
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| The 30m high three storied pagoda that was rebuilt in 1817 November 18, 2007 |
The pagoda. November 18, 2007 |
Onigawara, gargoyles on the roof of the pagoda. November 18, 2007 |
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| Corridor that connects Hondo (in the right of this photo) and Shoin building.. November 25, 2002 |
Autumn leaves in the backyard of Hondo. November 25, 2002 |
A tatami room. November 25, 2002 |
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| Tatami rooms of Shoin building. November 18, 2007 |
Fusuma-e or Shoheki-ga painted by Maegawa Bunrei (1837-1917). November 18, 2007 |
Fusuma-e, painted by Suzuki Shonen (1848-1918). November 18, 2007 |
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| Karesansui garden of Shoin. A hedge is used to divide the garden and Shakkei
object, Mt. Daimonji-yama. The four stones in line in the middle of the
photo is likened to Buddha lying on his side. November 18, 2007 |
The karesansui garden is named Nehan-no-niwa or the garden of nirvana. November 18, 2007 |
The karesansui garden and autumn leaves. November 25, 2002 |
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| Ishidoro, a stone lantern, in the karesansui garden of Shoin. November 25, 2002 |
Fallen leaves in chaniwa (tea garden). The stones on the foreground are
stepping stones. November 25, 2002 |
Fallen leaves. Being wet with rain, the leaves look darker. November 25, 2002 |