Shōjō-ji

Shōjō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Koga with traditional wooden structures that house meditation halls and ceremonial spaces. The complex combines historic architecture with functional rooms used year-round for religious activities and daily monastic life.

The temple was founded as a center of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and has shaped the spiritual life of Koga for centuries. Its development reflects the continuity of this tradition, which persists to the present day.

The temple serves the local community as a space for daily prayer and meditation, where visitors can experience quiet reflection in its halls. The practice here is visible in simple rituals and the monks' quiet presence that shapes the everyday rhythm of the place.

The temple is accessible to visitors during daylight hours and offers quiet spaces for meditation and prayer. It is important to follow standard behavioral etiquette of Buddhist temples to maintain the calm and respect for the sacred space.

Resident monks live permanently on the grounds and perform ancient Buddhist practices every day that remain largely unchanged. Their presence means the temple is still an active place where the tradition is truly lived, not just maintained.