Shoren-in Monzeki Temple

One of the monzeki temples of the Tendai sect, this temple has long had deep ties to the Imperial family. Its principal image is the Shijoko Nyorai Mandala, and it houses the National Treasure Ao Fudo Myoo, one of Japan’s three great Fudo Myoo statues. It began as a residence for monks of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, and was once home to eminent monks including Saicho and Ennin.

A monzeki temple is a temple where members of the Imperial family or court nobility served as head priest. It is said that Shoren-in began as a monzeki temple when the Cloistered Emperor Toba built temple buildings on its current site in the late Heian period. During the Edo period, when the Imperial Palace was destroyed by fire, it also served as a temporary imperial residence, and is therefore also known as Awata Gosho.

The temple is known for its beautiful gardens, including the Soami Garden, said to have been created by the Muromachi-period garden designer Soami, and the Kirishima Garden, designed by Kobori Enshu. These pond stroll gardens show different seasonal beauty throughout the year. In spring and fall, special nighttime viewing with illuminations is held, allowing visitors to enjoy the temple buildings and gardens in a magical atmosphere.