Shokokuji Temple

Shokoku-ji is the head temple of the Shokoku-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. It was founded in 1382 (Eitoku 2) by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, with Muso Soseki as founding abbot, on the east side of the Muromachi shogunate’s “Hana no Gosho” (Flower Palace). The name Shokoku-ji derives from Yoshimitsu’s title “Rokuon-in Shokoku.” It was ranked second among the Kyoto Five Mountain Zen temples. Much of the complex was destroyed in the Onin War and later fires; many of today’s buildings were rebuilt during the Bunka era (1804–1818). Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji) and Ginkaku-ji (Jisho-ji) are sub-temples outside the main precinct (sangai tacchu) of Shokoku-ji, and art treasures from these temples are housed in the Shokoku-ji Jotenkaku Museum within the grounds. Notable works include ink paintings such as Ito Jakuchu’s “Grape,” Hasegawa Tohaku’s “Bamboo Grove with Monkeys” folding screen, and many other masterpieces—centered on Zen calligraphy, paintings, and tea utensils—spanning over 600 years. Shokoku-ji stands slightly north of the Kyoto Imperial Palace and slightly west of Shimogamo Shrine, about a 10-minute walk from Imadegawa Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway).