Shorenin Monzeki, located within walking distance of Gion, is a temple that is said to have its origin in Seirenbo, one of the priests’ residences built by Saicho, the founder of the Tendai sect, at the top of Mt.
The temple is known for enshrining the national treasure Ao-Fudo Myoo (Blue Fudo), which is enshrined in the Shogunzuka Seiryuden, which was established in October 2014 in the Tobichi-keidai area around Shogunzuka on the summit of Mt.
It is about a 10-minute cab ride from the Seirenin Monzeki.
The main attraction is the large wooden stage built at the top of the mountain. It is 4.6 times the size of the “Kiyomizu-no-butai” and offers a panoramic view of not only the city of Kyoto, but also Mount Ikoma, Mount Hiei, and Osaka Bay on a clear day.
Originally there was an observatory, but when Seiryuden was built, it was upgraded and a huge new stage was constructed.
Seiryuden, a large gomado hall - built in October 2014 (Heisei 26). The national treasure “Seiryuden” is enshrined here. It was originally the Butokuden of the Kyoto branch of the Dai Nihon Butokukai, built in 1913 in the precincts of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. After the Pacific War, it was used as a martial arts hall of Kyoto Prefectural Police “Heian Dojo” from 1947 until 1998, and later moved to this location as a large gomado “Seiryuden”. The ceremony was held on October 4, 2014. In conjunction with this ceremony, the National Treasure Ao Fudo Myoo was opened to the public from October 8 to December 23, and Seiryuden was open to the public.
Seiryuden Garden - A kaiyushiki garden with a karesansui (dry landscape) garden, the Seiryuden Garden is planted with approximately 200 cherry trees and 220 trees with autumn leaves, and is open to the public at night in spring and fall. There are pine trees planted by Admiral Heihachiro Togo, General Tameaki Kuroki, Shigenobu Okuma, Taisetsu Kikuchi, and others.
Shogun Mound - When Emperor Kanmu moved the capital to Heijo-kyo, he buried statues of shoguns here to protect the royal castle.
West Observatory, Dainichido, Fukutoku-mon Gate
From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (reception closes at 4:30 p.m.)
High school and junior high school students: 400 yen
Elementary school students (200 yen *free if accompanied by a parent or guardian)
20 minutes by cab from Kyoto Station
5 minutes by cab from Keage Station on the Tozai Line
30 min. on foot from Seiren-in Monzeki Temple on the Higashiyama Trail (mountain path)