Welcome to Shogo-in Monzeki. Founded in 1090, it is the head temple of the Honzan Shugen-shu, a major school of Shugendo*. As a Monzeki temple, it holds high status and has long been closely connected to the Imperial Family, having served as a temporary imperial residence. The temple preserves many cultural treasures, including the Shinden (ceremonial hall), Shoin (study hall), and sumptuous fusuma-e (sliding door paintings) by artists of the renowned Kano school. Shogo-in opens only on special occasions, inviting visitors into a world of quiet reverence where over a thousand years of history and the spirit of Shugendo still resonate.
*an ancient syncretic Japanese spiritual tradition blending esoteric Buddhism, Shinto, and mountain asceticism.
Shogo-in Monzeki
Temple
ABOUT
HIGHLIGHTS
Discovering Precious Cultural Treasures: Special Public Opening of Shogo-in Monzeki Temple
Passing through the temple gate, visitors will see the Main Hall, the Shinden, a ceremonial hall used as a temporary imperial residence, sacred statues designated as Important Cultural Properties and the magnificent "shoheki-ga" sliding door and wall paintings.
Within these elegant and historically significant buildings, enjoy a memorable moment connecting with a thousand years of history, the spirit of Shugendo, and the refined beauty of Japan.
Within these elegant and historically significant buildings, enjoy a memorable moment connecting with a thousand years of history, the spirit of Shugendo, and the refined beauty of Japan.
Special Viewing
October: 11 (Sat)–13 (Mon), 17 (Fri)–19 (Sun), 21 (Tue)–26(Sun), 31 (Fri).
November: 1 (Sat)–3 (Mon), 7 (Fri)–9 (Sun), 14 (Fri)–16 (Sun), 21 (Fri)–24 (Mon)
December: 5 (Fri)–7 (Sun).
Total: 29 days.
November: 1 (Sat)–3 (Mon), 7 (Fri)–9 (Sun), 14 (Fri)–16 (Sun), 21 (Fri)–24 (Mon)
December: 5 (Fri)–7 (Sun).
Total: 29 days.
| Viewing Hours: | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last entry) |
|---|---|
| Admission: |
Adults: ¥800 (Groups of 15 or more: ¥700) Junior high & high school students, University students: ¥600 Free for elementary school children and younger (must be accompanied by a guardian) *Cash payment only |
*For the latest information regarding temple visits, please check our official social media accounts.
HISTORY
A History Woven by the Imperial Family and the Shugendo Tradition
This historic temple has deep ties to the Japanese Imperial Family and has long been a central place for Shugendo, the mountain-based ascetic practice rooted in ancient mountain worship. Due to its connection with the Imperial Family, it was used as a temporary imperial residence when the Imperial Palace suffered a fire. Please come and experience over a thousand years of history and the quiet, sacred atmosphere of the temple.
How to Visit
Shogo-in Monzeki Temple is located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City.
There are two types of visits: free admission for worship and a paid admission for viewing the temple.
For detailed access information, please refer to the page below.
There are two types of visits: free admission for worship and a paid admission for viewing the temple.
For detailed access information, please refer to the page below.
Map