What is Sanzenin Temple in Kyoto with its beautiful fresh greenery in May? National treasures, beautiful gardens, and many other attractions

KYOTREAT Editors

Do you know "Ohara Sanzenin" in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto?

This famous temple, along with Seiren-in and Myoho-in, is one of the three monzeki temples of the Sanmon school of the Tendai sect of Buddhism.

The large site, which attracts many tourists and has many attractions, will allow you to take your time and explore the area.

Therefore, we would like to introduce Sanzenin Temple in Kyoto.

■What is Sanzenin in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto?

Sanzenin Temple is located in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto.

It is located about 30 minutes northeast of JR Kyoto Station by car.

This is a temple of the Tendai sect, founded by Saicho between 782 and 806, and is said to have originated as a hermitage in the south valley of the east tower of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt.

Located in the village of Ohara, which was known in the past as a place for Buddhist practitioners and noblemen to retreat, the temple has many national treasures and important cultural assets.

Sanzenin Temple Highlights

Sanzenin Temple has numerous attractions.

We will introduce each of them, so please take a stroll when you visit the area for sightseeing.

Gotenmon Gate

The Gotenmon Gate is the entrance to Sanzenin.

The high stone wall encloses the gate, giving it a stately appearance typical of a castle gate.

The masonry was piled with natural stones by a man known for his masonry skills called Ano-Ushu.

○Kyakuden

The guest house is surrounded by greenery.

This shoin was dedicated in 1906 with sliding door paintings by a leading Kyoto painter.

It was an important place where many painters, including Takeuchi Seiho, Kikuchi Yoshifumi, Mochizuki Gyokusen, Imao Keinen, and Suzuki Matsutoshi, visited and competed with each other.

Currently, it is housed in the Enryu warehouse, the treasure house, and can be viewed from time to time.

Juhkien

The Juhokuen Garden is a pond garden with a gourd-shaped pond and overflowing greenery.

Small waterfalls and moss-covered rocks create a fantastic atmosphere.

Stepping into this place will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time to another world.

Hall for the Emperor's Birthday (Hall for State Ceremonies)

Shikinden Hall was built in 1926.

This refers to the most prestigious building on the temple grounds, which is unique to monzeki temples.

Even today, a Buddhist memorial service called Gozenbouko is dedicated to the god.

When you go to the throne room, you will see a sliding door painting by Shimomura Kanzan.

This sliding door painting is also called "Niji-no-Ma" (Rainbow Room) because of the large rainbow depicted on it.

Ousou Gokurakuin

Oujo Gokurakuin is a temple with a rich history.

The building is designated as an Important Cultural Property, and the enshrined Amida Sanzonzon statue is a National Treasure.

Oblong Jizo

Jizo statue by Benten Pond.

They stand shoulder to shoulder in unison in the moss, and the sight of them is a warm reminder of the beauty of the area.

This Jizo was created by stone sculptor Takashi Sugimura.

○ Benzaiten

Benzaiten enshrined on the way to Konjikinfudo Hall.

Known as the Seven Gods of Good Fortune in Kyoto, Emisu (Ebisu Shrine), Daikokuten (Myouenji Temple), Bishamonten (Bishamondou), Hotei (Chorakuji Temple), Fukurokuju (Gojoin Temple), and Jurojin (Gyoganji Temple) are enshrined in other locations.

Konjikin Fudo

Konjikin Fudo Hall was built in 1992.

The hidden statue of Konjikin Fudo Myoo cannot usually be seen.

However, in April, during the Fudo Grand Festival, the doors are opened so that visitors can see the temple.

○Kannon Hall

The Kannon Hall was built in 1998.

A golden statue of the Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) is enshrined here.

Ritsu River and Lu River

The murmuring of the river can be heard in several places in the precincts.

The Yulu River is to the north of the temple grounds and the Lu River to the south.

Review of "Sanzenin

Sanzen-in Temple is a temple with a rich history, including national treasures and important cultural properties.

See what others who have visited have to say.

If you want to experience the magnificent nature, I recommend you to visit Sanzenin Temple. Waterfalls, rivers, green landscapes...you will be healed by various sceneries.

In spring, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms, in summer the greenery, in fall the red of the autumn leaves, and in winter the white of the snowy landscape...you can enjoy the seasonal atmosphere of each of the four seasons. It is a beautiful place no matter when you come.

The cedar groves and mosses in Jyubekien, Arikien, and Kyakuden are wonderful places.

It is a temple of the Tendai sect. When you take a walk, the air is clean.

A good spot to refresh yourself. The grounds are spacious and well equipped.

■Address and access to Sanzenin Temple

Finally, let's look at the address of Sanzenin and how to get there.

Address of Sanzenin Temple

540 Ohara Raigo-in-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

Access to Sanzenin Temple

From Kokusaikaikaikan Subway Station, transfer to Kyoto Bus No. 19 and get off at Ohara Bus Stop. 10-minute walk from the stop.

○ Homepage

http://www.sanzenin.or.jp/

■ Summary

How was it?

In this issue, we have introduced Sanzenin Temple in Kyoto.

There are many attractions here, including the National Treasure Amida Sanzonzon, the Important Cultural Property wooden statue of the Salvation Kannon half-lotus, the Oujo Gokurakuin Amida Hall, and the wooden standing statue of Fudo Myoo.

If you are interested in visiting a temple full of magnificent nature, visit Sanzenin Temple.