What other travelers are saying about Shoren-in Temple
the most beautiful, peaceful and quiet out of all the temples I went to in kyoto! the gardens have some of the most stunning trees I have ever seen, you really get to experience the fullness of the temple (unlike a lot of the more touristy ones in kyoto that you just walk around and take pictures of within 5 minutes)! such special touches too like a book you can leave a message in and the gorgeous bamboo grove and ugh love !!!
Shōren-in Temple was just a minute’s walk from our hotel, and it ended up being one of our favorite places in Kyoto. It’s got this quiet, peaceful atmosphere that really stays with you. The temple has a bit of history too — it used to be a residence for high-ranking monks and was even used by the imperial family at one point, which adds to the sense of calm and dignity around the place.
The garden was absolutely stunning, especially in the rain — everything felt more still and alive at the same time. We just sat on the tatami mats for a while, watching the garden and listening to the rain, and it honestly felt like time slowed down. Out of all the temples and shrines we visited, this was the one the whole family liked the most. It wasn’t crowded at all, which made it feel even more special.
There’s also a little visitors book you can write in while sitting by the garden — such a lovely touch. It felt personal and grounding. If you're looking for a peaceful, reflective spot in Kyoto, this one is really worth a visit.
A must visit in Kyoto! A serene experience away from the crowds, we visited on a weekday afternoon in June and only a handful of visitors were there. You can enjoy learning about the history of the temple, the beautiful art and calligraphy as well as wandering around the gardens and a small bamboo forest. Cannot recommend enough!
Tranquil, stunning and rich in culture. This temple was a brilliant introduction to Kyoto and was such a good vibe. Was so zen and quiet. A lovely way to spend a few hours. Take shoes off on entry as no walking on wooden floors with shoes on. Shoe lockers provided. Then shoes back on for walking around the garden. Very clean. Very clean toilets. Staff nice. Cash only ticket fee.
Amazing serene garden and temple just a few minutes away from the insanely busy Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka streets. This is a great place to relax after getting over-stimulated by the mass-tourism of Kyoto.
