Rishō-ji, Buddhist temple in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Rishō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Higashiyama featuring a red wooden five-storey pagoda with traditional Japanese tiled roofing. The complex comprises several buildings arranged around quiet courtyards in a classic temple layout.
The temple was founded before the capital moved to Heian-kyo, but it gained official status as a Zen temple in 1240 during the Kamakura period. This era was crucial for establishing Zen schools throughout Japan.
The temple is connected to Rinzai Zen practice, with halls honoring Prince Shotoku and Yakushi Nyorai that visitors can observe. These spaces show how spiritual devotion is expressed in the daily rhythm of the temple.
The temple sits near Kii-Shimizu and Kimitoge stations, making train access straightforward. The grounds are walkable and best explored during daylight hours when you can see the details of the buildings and gardens.
The grounds feature the Chotaku-an teahouse, where wind bells attached to the pagoda create sounds that drift across the space during a visit. This subtle auditory experience weaves together the building's architecture with the natural elements surrounding it.
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