Shoren-in Temple

The basics

Surrounded by trees, with the mountains towering above, Shoren-in Temple is known for its spectacular and restful setting. You’ll find plenty to admire within the complex, from an intricately painted fusuma, or traditional Japanese sliding doors, within the Kachoden drawing room to the main Shijokodo Hall. Winding walking trails also lead visitors through a moss garden, camphor forests, a small shrine and bamboo grove, and a little teahouse.

Things to know before you go

• Shoren-in Temple can be visited independently. To listen to a more detailed explanation of monzeki temples or Shoren-in’s almost millennium-long history, consider visiting with a guide as part of a customizable day tour.

• The temple was originally a private residence constructed for the son of Emperor Toba, who ruled Japan in the early 12th century. One of the most appealing features of visiting the temple is the chance to experience a well-preserved traditional Japanese interior, iconic for its shoji screens and tatami mat flooring.

• Planning a Higashiyama trek or walking tour? The hike up to the top of Mt. Higashiyama takes about 30 minutes, making it easy to combine with a visit to the temple.

How to get there

The temple is easily reachable using Kyoto’s impressive public transportation system. Get off at Higashiyama Station on the Tazai Subway Line, a 15-minute ride from Kyoto Station—from there, the temple is just a 5-minute walk from the subway stop. It’s also just five minutes on foot from the nearest bus stop, Jingu-michi.

When to get there

The temple is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4:30pm. The most popular time to visit is during the spring and autumn when the temple hosts special illuminations within the gardens to showcase the colorful autumn foliage or springtime blossoms. During these seasonal illuminations, the temple opens up for exclusive evening hours, lasting from 6pm to 10pm.

Enryakuji Temple

Interested in learning more about the Tendai sect of Buddhism? Head to this mountain temple complex on the eastern side of Kyoto’s Mount Heizan. Founded in the 8th century by the monk Saicho, Enryakuji is the headquarters of Tendai, which Saicho was the first to introduce to Japan. The sprawling complex in a picturesque forest setting has many Edo-era buildings to explore. It is reachable year-round by Sakamoto Cablecar from Hieizan-Sakamoto Station on the JR Kosei Line.