Open to the Public is Only a Few Times a Year! The Sub-Temple of Kenninji Temple, “Shoden Eigen-in”, Adorned with Azaleas and Fresh Greenery

“Shoden Eigen-in” (正伝永源院) is one of the sub-temples of the Daihonzan Kennin-ji Temple, the oldest temple built in 1202 in Kyoto. This temple is only open to the public on specific days. Currently, this special exhibition of ‘Azalea and fresh green garden’ has been held until 14th May. The garden colored in red and pink that can only be seen now is muse-see!

Kyoto’s Gion area is a popular destination for visitors, and one of its attractions is Shoden Eigen-in, a sub-temple of the Daihonzan Kennin-ji Temple. Originally, Shoden Eigen-in consisted of two separate sub-temples: Shoden-in and Eigen-an. However, during the Meiji period, the Japanese government implemented a policy to separate Shintoism and Buddhism, known as Shinbutsu Bunri (神仏分離), therefore, this policy aimed to eliminate Buddhist elements from shrines, which led to the abandonment of Eigen-an as a Buddhist temple while the land and building remained. On the other hand, in 1872, Kyoto Prefecture ordered Shoden-in to hand over its land. This temple merged with Eigen-an, and the two sub-temples became a single entity known as Shoden Eigen-in.

This temple has returned to a state of peace after a period of confusion. It is not typically open to the public, but special visits are offered several times a year. Currently, this special exhibition of ‘Azalea and fresh green garden’ has been held from 14th April 2023 to 14th May 2023. The contrast between the red and pink blooms of the Azalea and the fresh green leaves shining in the spring sunshine is a breathtaking sight that captures the vitality of plants. Please don’t miss this special opportunity in only 1 month.