Shokokuji Temple Area

日本語 (Japanese)

Shokokuji Temple Area 相国寺辺り

Overview

This area north of Doshisha University is another “gothic quarter”-like neighborhood. It It is bordered roughly by Shokokuji Temple on the south, the river on the east, Karasuma Dori on the west, and Shimei Dori on the north.

Shokokuji's Main Hall was completed 1394, and the temple is part of the Rinzai sect.

Shokokuji is also where American poet Gary Snyder spent several years sitting in the 1960s. It is a quiet elegant complex that also puts on good exhibits of screens, paintings, etc. in its museum.

This is a good area to take a whimsical ride. Few cars pass through, preferring to stick to the larger boulevards on the outside of this enclosed area. Many small temples and shrines await. Among them are:　Jozenji, Tennenji, Saoikoji, Saionji, Amidaji, Honmanji, Junenji, and more. Many are found along Teramachi Dori.

Also on the ride is the building (#2 on the map below) that houses the Kyoto Chapter of the Buraku Liberation League, a human rights organization devoted to helping the traditional outcaste population of the city. It is on the corner of Karasuma and Shimei Dori, and is instantly recognizable by its large and prominent anti-Imperial system banners.

Shokokuji Temple Shokokuji Temple

Getting to the Starting Point

Starting at City Hall, ride up Teramachi Dori with its shops, through the Imperial Palace, pass between Doshisha University on the left and Doshisha Women's College on the right, and into Shokokuji Temple.

Directions

Within the grounds of Shokokuji is a great for strolling or a slow ride. Beyond that, follow the map route - or follow your front wheel.

Total Riding Time

2 hours.

Places of Interest

Kyoto Dowa Mondai Kigyo Renraku Kyogikai (Human Rights organization devoted to Dowa issues)

075 431 8345

Shokokuji Temple

075 231 0301

Entrance Fee: Free for the grounds, 600 yen for the main temple

Shokokuji Temple Jotenkaku Museum

075 231 0301

Entrance Fee: Depends on exhibit

Public Bath

Entrance Fee: 420 yen

Map

Shokokuji Temple Area Route

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