Shinnyo-do Temple in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto is a temple of the Tendai sect, famous for its hidden Buddha called “Nodding Maitreya,” which is surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall. Lined with historical buildings, including national treasures and important cultural properties, the temple’s tranquil precincts are as beautiful as the Pure Land of Paradise. In recent years, Shinnyodo has been attracting attention as a popular sightseeing spot in Kyoto!
Table of Contents
What is Shinnyodo?
Shinnyodo, built by Fujiwara no Michinaga in Eikan 2, is also called “Onna-no-Oujo-Gokuraku-ji Temple” and has been worshiped as a sacred place for the salvation of women. The main statue of Amida Nyorai is called “Nodding Amida” and is reputed to grant wishes.
| Official Name | Reishozan Shinsho Gyokurakuji Temple |
| Common Name | Shinnyo-do Hall |
| Year of Establishment | 984 A.D. (Eikan 2) |
| Access to the temple | 8 minutes walk from Kinrin Shako-mae bus stop by city bus. The route from the nearest bus stop “Shinnyodo-mae” is steeply uphill, so it is more convenient to use “Kinrin Shako-mae” bus stop. |
| Parking lot | Parking lot is not parking lot, so please take a bus or cab. |
| Hours of visitation | 9:00 ~ 16:00 |
| Admission Fee | Adults and high school students: 500 yen Junior high school students: 400 yen Elementary school students and younger: Free |
| Location | 82 Shinnyo-cho, Jodoji, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8414 |
| Phone: 075-771-0915 | 075-771-0915 |
| Home page | https://shin-nyo-do.jp/ |
Features of Shinnyo-do Hall
- A treasure trove ofnational treasures and important cultural properties: The main hall, the three-story pagoda, the statue of Amida Nyorai, and many other national treasures and important cultural properties adorn the temple grounds.
- A popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms and autumnal fol iage: The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumnal foliage in fall offer beautiful seasonal scenery.
- Quiet and sereneprecincts: A place where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the peace and quiet of the temple.
- Sacred place for women’s salvation: You can meet “Nodding Maitreya” who grants women’s wishes.
- A good place for sightseeing in Kyoto: You can enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace with relatively few people.
Places to visit
National Treasure Hondo (Main Hall)
The main hall of the temple is a graceful example of Heian-period architecture. Inside the hall, there is a secret statue of Buddha called “Nodding Maitreya”. It is opened only once a year, on November 15.
Garden of Nirvana
Karesansui (dry landscape) garden with Higashiyama (Mt. Higashi) in the background. The contrast between the white sand and moss is beautiful, and the tranquility of the garden will help you to calm your mind. A statue of the Reclining Buddha is enshrined in the back of the garden.
Shinnyodo Engi-Emaki (picture scroll depicting the history of Shinnyodo)
This picture scroll depicts the history of Shinnyodo. Designated as a national treasure, it is usually kept in the storehouse, but is open to the public on special occasions several times a year.
Recommended time to visit
The autumn foliage season is especially recommended, but Shinnyodo’s charm changes throughout the four seasons. The cherry blossoms in spring, the greenery in summer, and the snowy landscape in winter are all beautiful in their own way, offering something new to discover each time you visit.
Conclusion
Located in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Shinnyodo is a precious place that preserves the beauty of old Japan. With its historical architecture, seasonal natural beauty, and serene atmosphere, a visit to this charming place will allow you to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and wash your mind. A visit to Shinnyo-do is not just a sightseeing trip, but can also be a precious time to face yourself.
On your next visit to Kyoto, please add Shinnyo-do to your list of places to visit!
