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.
Next Special Viewing
The next special viewing is scheduled for autumn 2026.
Details will be announced on this page once finalized.
Details will be announced on this page once finalized.
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