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2022.7.22
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Hana-ceiling at Koshoin Temple

Remains of a nunnery with ties to the imperial family [Kosho-in]

A nun-monzeki temple of the Jodo sect, also called Jouban Gosho. After the temple was destroyed by fire during the Onin and Bunmei wars, Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado granted the temple land and it was settled in its present location. The interior of the hall has a high, prestigious folded ceiling with a magnificent 80-sided floral ceiling in the center. The elegant and dainty atmosphere of the flowers, which is typical of nun monzeki, is a sight to behold.

1.Kosho-in Temple and flower ceiling

A nun-monzeki temple of the Jodo sect, also called Jyoban Gosho. It was founded in 1356 by Princess Shinko, daughter of Emperor Go-Fushimi, in Ichijo-Kita, Muromachi. After the temple was destroyed by fire during the Onin and Bunmei wars, Emperor Go-Tsuchimikado granted the temple land and it was settled at its present location. The main temple building houses a standing statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in the Seiryo-ji style, said to have been made in the early Kamakura period. The interior of the hall is decorated with a high, prestigious folded ceiling, and the 80-sided flower ceiling in the center of the hall is magnificent. The elegant and dainty atmosphere of the flowers, which is typical of nun monzeki, is a sight to behold. The temple grounds are also home to Jouban Kaikan, which was moved from the building used during the Showa Period (1926-1989). Normally, these buildings are closed to the public, but they are open to the public on special occasions, so take the opportunity to visit.

Entrance to Koshoin Temple
Hana-ceiling at Koshoin Temple

Elegance worthy of the name of Joban Gosho

The floral ceiling by Kyoto-born nanga artist Naogai Tanomura was created in 1968, the same year the main hall was built. It depicts plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, lotuses, and other flowers.

2.Remnants of the Showa period's grand ceremonies still remain.

Jyoban Kaikan is a relocated building that was part of the Datame Palace Choshusho, which was used during the Showa Emperor's Enthronement Ceremony. The interior, which retains its original appearance, has a large hall with a crimson carpet and a coffered ceiling, and is filled with elegance.

Koshoin no Jyoban Kaikan

3.The main hall with beautiful Chinese gables and flower-headed windows

The main hall, with its flower ceiling, was donated by Jiro Yamanaka in 1968. The building, with its white walls and hanagashira (flower-headed) windows, has the solemn appearance of a zendo (Zen temple).

Main Hall of Koshoin Temple

4.A 500-year-old five-leaf pine tree with magnificent branches

The 500-year-old Goyomatsu (five-leaf pine) was hand-planted by the gatekeeper of the temple. Goyomatsu is a pine tree with five leaves in a bunch. The long, horizontal, imposing branches are a sight to behold. It stands in the center of the dry landscape garden that can be viewed from the shoin.

Goyomatsu (five-leaf pine) at Koshoin Temple
From Goyomatsu (five-leaf pine tree) and Shoin at Koshoin Temple

Koushouin era (1132.8.11-1135.4.27)

  • negotiators
  • 425, Anrakkoji-cho, Shinmachi-dori Kamidachiuri, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
  • 6 minute walk from Horikawa-teranouchi bus stop.
    8 minutes on foot from Subway "Imadegawa Station"
  • Tel. 075-441-2254
  • Parking available
  • Not open to the public (only during special openings)
*Please note that the information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

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