Shinsho Gokuraku-ji Temple

Shinsho Gokuraku-ji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, with the mountain name Rinsyozan. It is widely known by its common name, Shinnyo-do. According to temple tradition, it was founded in Eikan 2 (984) by Kaisan Shonin, a monk of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei. Access to Shinsho Gokuraku-ji is about an 8-minute walk from "Kinrin Shako-mae" bus stop, using Kyoto City Bus routes 5, 17, or 100 from JR Kyoto Station. Architectural highlights include the hip-and-gable main hall (hondō) with a true tile roof rebuilt in the Edo period, and a three-story pagoda with a true tile roof standing about 30 meters tall. The pagoda, in particular, creates an elegant silhouette in harmony with the surrounding landscape. The principal image is an Amida Nyorai said to have been made by the Heian-period Tendai master Jikaku Daishi Ennin, known as "Unazuki no Mida"—Amida who nods to save women. The temple also houses many cultural treasures, including the "Shinnyo-do Engi" depicting the Onin War and a gold-embroidered "Kangyo Mandala" evoking the Pure Land. The spacious precincts are also famous for autumn foliage, and in late fall many visitors come to enjoy the vibrant colors.