Sennyū-ji

Sennyū-ji is a temple at the base of Mount Tsukinowa in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto. The complex consists of several halls with curved roofs and wooden structures following the Chinese style of the Song Dynasty.

The foundation took place between 824 and 834 during the Tencho Era by an early monk. Priest Tsukinowa Shunjo greatly expanded the site in 1218 after returning from China, where he had studied Buddhist teachings.

The name refers to a spring that rises here and whose water has been used for centuries. The complex still serves as a burial site for several emperors and members of the court, giving it a special place in Japanese society.

The site opens daily between 9 and 4:30 p.m. and is located about a ten-minute walk from the Sennyuji-michi bus stop. Admission for adults is 500 yen, for children 300 yen.

The Buddha Hall houses three gilded Buddha statues, while the ceiling is decorated with dragon paintings by the painter Kano Tanyu. The paintings cover the entire ceiling surface and show different motifs from Buddhist symbolism.

Location: Higashiyama-ku

Founders: Shunjō

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Part of: Shingon sect eighteen Motoyama, 33 sites sacrés de Luoyang Kannon, Thirteen Buddhist Sites of Kyoto, Shinbutsu Reijō Junpai no Michi

Address: 京都府京都市東山区泉涌寺山内町27

Website: https://mitera.org

GPS coordinates: 34.97806,135.78056

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:52