Myoshinji Temple

Myoshin-ji Temple is the head temple of the Myoshin-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City. The Hanazono Imperial Villa that once stood here was bestowed by the retired Emperor Hanazono to the Zen master Kanzan Egen and converted into a Zen temple, but most buildings were destroyed by the Onin War, leaving only Gyokuhou-in. It was later restored by Hosokawa Katsumoto, prospered with the devotion of many Sengoku-period warlords, and grew into a major Zen complex. Facing Myoshinji-michi Street, it has two gates—the Imperial Messenger’s Gate (Chokushimon) and the South Gate—and many halls and temple buildings stand across the vast precincts. From the Chokushimon Gate heading north are arranged the Hojo Pond (Hojo-ike), the Sanmon Gate, the Buddha Hall, the Dharma Hall, the Shinden, the Daihojo, the Shohojo, and the large kitchen quarters (Okuri), and to the east of this main axis are the bathhouse, bell tower, and sutra repository. This temple layout, along with that of Daitoku-ji, represents a classic model of early modern Zen temple architecture. All of the buildings are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Myoshin-ji also offers ways to experience Zen teachings through Dharma talks, sutra copying, and zazen meditation, and it is used for school trips and corporate training as well. Next to Myoshin-ji is a hotel called Hanazono Kaikan. It is about a 5-minute walk from JR Hanazono Station.