Daitoku-ji Soken-in: Autumn Special Opening
Before you go
Soken-in is a subtemple of Daitoku-ji built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as the memorial temple for his lord Oda Nobunaga, who died in the Honno-ji incident. Its founding abbot, Kokei Sochin, was the Zen teacher of Sen no Rikyu. This autumn opening opens the main hall, the statue, the family tombs and its three tea houses.
- The gate and earthen walls keep their 1583 appearance; the wall has a rare double parent-and-child structure.
- Getting there
- Take a city bus to the Daitoku-ji stop and walk about 7 minutes. The address is 59 Daitokuji Murasakino, Kita-ku.
- Booking
- No reservation is needed; buy tickets at the gate. Adults ¥800, junior- and high-school students ¥400, children of elementary-school age and under free with a guardian. Cash only. Groups of 10 or more must book in advance. On 19 October and 1 November reception does not open until 11:30.
It was built in Tensho 11 (1583), on the first anniversary of Nobunaga's death, for his memorial. The seated wooden statue of Nobunaga in the main hall was carved by the Kei-ha busshi Kosei at roughly life size, about 115 cm tall.
Do I need a reservation?
Not for individual visitors; buy on the day. Groups of 10 or more must book in advance.
Which days is it closed?
4, 5, 21 and 22 November; extra closing days may be added for temple services, so check the official page.
What is special about 19 October and 1 November?
Reception starts at 11:30 on those two days, so do not arrive in the morning.
Can I take photos?
You can in the grounds, but not inside the main hall.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
No; the building's layout does not allow wheelchair visits.
Sources Kyoto Shunju: Daitoku-ji Soken-in (autumn special opening)