Shorin-ji (Tofuku-ji)
京都市東山区本町15-795Open in Google Maps ↗Official site ↗
Shorin-ji is the Bishamondo sub-temple of the head temple Tofuku-ji, with visiting hours of 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. It offers zazen, sutra-copying and sutra-tracing sessions (reservations required; solo visitors welcome, all tools provided) and is known for its hana-chozu. Address: 15-795 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto.
Before you go
The Bishamondo Shorin-ji, a sub-temple of the head temple Tofuku-ji. Visiting hours: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Zazen, sutra-copying (shakyo) and sutra-tracing (shabutsu) sessions require reservations; solo participants are welcome and all tools are provided. Its seasonal hana-chozu (flower-filled water basin) is a popular photo spot. The hidden principal image, Bishamonten, is unveiled during the New Year and autumn special viewings; group visits can be booked (the official site gives both 15 and 10 people as the minimum, so please confirm by phone). Tel: 075-561-4311 (10:00 AM–4:00 PM).
- The seasonal hana-chozu (flower water basin)
- Zazen, sutra-copying and sutra-tracing sessions (solo participants welcome)
- Special unveilings of the hidden Bishamonten at the New Year and autumn viewings
- Limited-edition goshuin including anime collaborations, also via the online shop
- Getting there
- 15-795 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. Nearest stations: JR / Keihan Tofukuji (the official site states no walking minutes).
- Booking
- Zazen, shakyo and shabutsu sessions require booking via the official site (note: iCloud email addresses have a known delivery failure — use another address) or by phone.
- Crowds
- Visiting hours 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; the experience sessions are popular and close once full — book ahead.
- Good for
- Travelers wanting to try zazen or sutra copying, goshuin collectors, and photographers fond of hana-chozu.
- How it differs
- Compared with the large famous sights like Tofuku-ji's main gardens, this is a small, quiet temple focused on hands-on practice (zazen/shakyo) and hana-chozu — better for visitors who want a calm copying session.
What are the visiting hours?
10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Do the experience sessions need reservations?
Yes — book via the official site or phone; solo participants are welcome.
Is there an English version of the site?
No — the official site is Japanese only.
Are goshuin (temple stamps) available?
Yes — goshuin are offered, and also available through the temple's online shop.
Sources 毘沙門堂 勝林寺 公式サイト
- The experience sessions often fill up — book well ahead via the official site or phone.
- When booking online, avoid iCloud email addresses (confirmation emails are known to fail).
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