Shoko-ji
京都市下京区文覚町東中筋通七条上る397Open in Google Maps ↗Official site ↗
Shokoji is a Jodo Shinshu Honganji-school temple at 397 Mongaku-cho, Higashinaka-suji-dori Shichijo agaru, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 600-8222, known for preserving the Buddhist chant tradition of shomyo. Its official site describes it as surprisingly quiet despite being close to Kyoto Station, in the middle of Kyoto. It is a 10-minute walk from Kyoto Station.
Before you go
A temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji school, formally Shoguden Saikozan Shokoji, known for preserving and transmitting shomyo — Buddhist chant with traditional melody, described on the official site as music with nearly 1,200 years of history in Japan. The official site presents it as a surprisingly quiet temple close to Kyoto Station, in the middle of Kyoto. The current head priest is the 27th generation, Shaku Shomei (Oyagi Masao). Annual events include New Year visits, spring/autumn equinox services, the Shomyo evening service, and the Hoonko memorial (Nov 15, 13:30).
The founder was Enjun Hoin, son of regent Kujo Michiie, who became a disciple of Shinran Shonin in 1244 at age 14. In 1277 he built a hall in Rakunan Kujo village and received the imperial temple name 'Saikoji' from Emperor Go-Uda. In 1602 the head of Honganji ordered the elder brother Yushun to inherit Saikoji and the younger brother Kyosei to found a new temple named Shokoji. It moved in front of the Goeido gate in 1620 and to its present site in Mongaku-cho in 1896 when Horikawa-dori was widened.
- Temple preserving the Buddhist chant tradition of shomyo
- Founded in 1244; renamed Shokoji in 1602
- Surprisingly quiet despite being 10 minutes from Kyoto Station
- Shomyo experience programs offered
- 27th-generation head priest, Shaku Shomei
- Getting there
- 397 Mongaku-cho, Higashinaka-suji-dori Shichijo agaru, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 600-8222. 10 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station (official site).
- Booking
- The official site publishes no fixed visiting hours or booking procedure; annual events are announced on the site. Check the official site's notices before joining an event.
- Crowds
- Event days such as the Hoonko memorial draw more visitors; the temple is otherwise described as quiet.
- Good for
- Lovers of Buddhist music, anyone wanting to experience shomyo, and walkers exploring the area south of Kyoto Station.
- How it differs
- Among the temples around Kyoto Station, Shokoji stands out for its shomyo music tradition rather than grand halls or gardens. Visitors interested in Buddhist music can also preview shomyo through the temple's linked YouTube commentary and its Facebook page.
What is shomyo?
Buddhist chant with traditional melody — 'the music of the Buddha' — with nearly 1,200 years of history in Japan (official site).
What are the opening hours?
The official site publishes no fixed visiting hours, only an annual event schedule. Check the site's notices before visiting.
Is there an English version?
The official site is Japanese-only; no English page was found.
How can I join a service or event?
Annual events such as the Hoonko memorial (Nov 15, 13:30) are announced on the official site.
Sources Shokoji official site (top page) · Shokoji official history page
- Preview shomyo via the commentary videos linked on the official site (YouTube) before visiting
- The 2026 annual event schedule is published on the official site; confirm dates before going
No verified events here right now.