Shokoku-ji

Temple

Prefecture

Kyoto

Type

Temple

N/A

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Train Access

Plan a trip with Shokoku-ji

About This Destination

The head temple of Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, just north of the Imperial Palace, with Japan's oldest surviving dharma hall and its crying-dragon ceiling. The halls open only in spring and autumn; the Jotenkaku Museum on the grounds shows the three temples' treasures, with two Ito Jakuchu wall paintings always on view.

Shokoku-ji is the Zen temple most visitors to Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji have never heard of, though both belong to it. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third Ashikaga shogun, founded it in 1392 next to his palace, and it ranked second among Kyoto's five great Zen temples. It burned again and again. The Hatto, rebuilt in 1605 with a donation from Toyotomi Hideyori, is the oldest dharma hall standing in Japan, and its ceiling holds a coiled dragon painted by Kano Mitsunobu; clap beneath it and the sound rattles back, which is why it is called the crying dragon. You can only go inside during the special openings, held in spring and autumn, which also take in the Hojo and the founder's hall for 1,000 yen. Outside those weeks the grounds are a quiet walk past closed halls, hemmed in by Doshisha University, much of which stands on land the temple lost in the Meiji era. The Jotenkaku Museum on the grounds is the reason to come at other times. Opened in 1984, it keeps the treasures of Shokoku-ji, Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, including five National Treasures and 145 Important Cultural Properties, and two of Ito Jakuchu's ink paintings from Kinkaku-ji's Ohshoin hall are on permanent display. It shuts between exhibitions, so check first, and you leave your shoes at the door.

Location

Prefecture: Kyoto

Address: Kyoto, Japan

Nearest Station: Imadegawa Station

Closed: The Jotenkaku Museum is open every day while an exhibition runs and closes between exhibitions and over the New Year holidays. The temple halls open only during the special openings, which pause on some days for ceremonies.

Hours note: Jotenkaku Museum: 10:00 to 17:00, last entry 16:30. Temple special openings: 10:00 to 16:30, last entry 16:00.

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn, when the special openings let you into the Hatto and Hojo; the museum is worth a visit any time an exhibition is on

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I see the crying dragon in the Hatto?

Only during the special openings, held in spring and autumn. They run from 10:00 to 16:30 with last entry at 16:00, cost 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for ages 6 to 18, and pause on some days for ceremonies. The dates are posted on the official site.

How much is the Jotenkaku Museum, and is there a combined ticket?

Adults pay 1,000 yen, university and high school students 800 yen, junior high students 500 yen, and elementary school children enter free; prices can differ for some exhibitions. There is no combined ticket with the temple's special opening, so you buy each separately.

Can I see Ito Jakuchu's work at the museum?

Yes. Two Important Cultural Property paintings from the Ohshoin hall of Rokuon-ji (Kinkaku-ji), grapes with small birds and banana plants under the moon, are on permanent display. Other Jakuchu works depend on the exhibition. Photography is not allowed in the galleries.

Is there anywhere to eat or drink at Shokoku-ji?

No. The museum says there is no café or vending machine in the museum or on the temple grounds, and food and drink are not allowed inside the museum. Eat around Imadegawa or Doshisha before you come.