Shinnyo-ji, Buddhist temple in Kita-ku, Japan.
Shinnyo-ji is a Buddhist temple in northern Kyoto featuring traditional Japanese wooden structures, landscaped gardens, and Buddhist sculptures. The buildings and grounds display craftsmanship passed down through generations.
The temple was founded in 1342 by Zen master Musō Soseki and became an important center for Buddhist practice. It served as a venue for significant ceremonies and events involving the medieval shogunate and samurai leadership.
The temple is home to resident monks who perform daily prayers and rituals, keeping active spiritual practices alive within the grounds. Visitors can witness these living traditions and observe how Buddhism shapes the rhythm of daily life here.
The temple is most easily accessed from Kitaoji Station and welcomes visitors during daylight hours throughout the year. Wearing sturdy footwear is helpful since the grounds involve walking paths and some uneven surfaces.
During medieval times, this temple became a preferred location for the funerals and memorial services of powerful samurai families. This connection to the warrior class left a distinctive mark on the temple's spiritual and architectural character.
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