Bishamon-do Shorinji (勝林寺), located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward, is a sub-temple of Tofuku-ji. It is renowned as a hidden gem for autumn foliage in Kyoto.
History and Overview
Established in 1550 (Tenbun 19) by Kogaku Reisho, the 205th head priest of Tofuku-ji, Shorinji is one of Tofuku-ji’s sub-temples.
Positioned to the northeast of Tofuku-ji, considered an inauspicious direction, it is often referred to as “Tofuku-ji’s Bishamonten.”
Access
Nearest Station:
Approximately an 8-minute walk from JR or Keihan “Tofuku-ji Station.”
Bus:
City Bus lines 202, 207, or 208; alight at “Tofuku-ji” bus stop.
Activities
Visitors can participate in zazen (seated meditation), sutra copying, and Buddhist image tracing daily, with prior reservation.
https://shourin-ji.org/english/
Autumn Foliage at Shorinji
The temple grounds feature unique decorations such as traditional Japanese umbrellas and masks, offering a distinctive autumn foliage experience compared to other temples.
Nearby Autumn Foliage Spots
Tofuku-ji
Imakumano Kannon-ji
Sennyu-ji
Conclusion
While the temple grounds are relatively compact, Shorinji provides a tranquil setting to enjoy beautiful autumn leaves, away from the bustling crowds of Tofuku-ji.