Shōkoku-ji Temple

Overview

Shōkoku-ji Temple is the head temple of the Sōkoku-ji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, founded in 1382 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. Ranked second among the Kyoto Gozan, it's a historically significant temple founded by Yoshimitsu, who also established many World Heritage sites including Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji. The temple's name, Shōkoku-ji, derives from the title "Shōkoku" (meaning 'assisting the state') bestowed upon Ashikaga Yoshimitsu when he was appointed Sadaijin (Minister of the Left). Yoshimitsu built Shōkoku-ji as his family temple, employing the finest artisans of the time. The extensive grounds boast the Hōjō (abbot's quarters) and Hōdō (main hall), both National Treasures, numerous sub-temples (tatchū), and beautiful gardens that change with the seasons. The Hōjō is a precious example of Muromachi-period architecture, adorned with fusuma (sliding doors) and shōji (paper screens) paintings by artists of the Kano school. The Hōdō, a magnificent structure with dimensions of 22 ken (approximately 40 meters) in length and 10 ken (approximately 18 meters) in width, features a ceiling painted with a "crying dragon" by Kano Sanraku. This famous dragon is said to emit a dragon's roar when you clap your hands, attracting many visitors. Other noteworthy sites within Shōkoku-ji include Ryūon-in and Jishoin, known for their beautiful gardens. Ryūon-in features a pond garden where you can enjoy various plants throughout the year. Jishoin boasts a karesansui (dry landscape) garden, with its striking scenery created using rocks and sand. Shōkoku-ji is a temple where you can especially feel the weight of history in Kyoto. Take a stroll through its vast grounds and immerse yourself in the grand vision of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.