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.
Upcoming Special Opening
October: 10 (Sat)–12 (Mon, Holiday), 16 (Fri)–18 (Sun),21 (Wed)–25 (Sun), 30 (Fri)–31 (Sat)
November:1 (Sun), 3 (Tue, Holiday),6 (Fri)–8 (Sun), 13 (Fri)–15 (Sun),20 (Fri)–23 (Mon, Holiday)
December:4 (Fri)–6 (Sun)
Total: 28 days.
November:1 (Sun), 3 (Tue, Holiday),6 (Fri)–8 (Sun), 13 (Fri)–15 (Sun),20 (Fri)–23 (Mon, Holiday)
December:4 (Fri)–6 (Sun)
Total: 28 days.
| Viewing Hours: | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Last entry) |
|---|---|
| Admission Fee: |
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