Shōgen-ji

Shōgen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Komaki featuring multiple buildings with traditional Japanese architecture including curved roofs and wooden structural elements. The complex is organized around carefully designed gardens that frame the different structures throughout the grounds.

The temple was founded in 817 during an influential religious leader's journey through Eastern Japan. It later transitioned to the Rinzai School during the Kamakura period, marking a significant change in its Buddhist affiliation.

The temple serves as a center for Zen Buddhist practice, where visitors can observe meditation sessions and religious ceremonies held regularly throughout the year. It remains an active place for both devoted practitioners and those curious about the tradition.

The temple is accessible by bus, with the stop Shōgenji Mae located very close to the entrance. Check the schedule in advance if you want to attend a specific meditation session or ceremony, as these are held at set times throughout the year.

The government officially designated this temple as a peace-protection site known as ankoku-ji during the Muromachi period. This special status remains part of its identity today, though many visitors overlook this historic distinction.