What other travelers are saying about Shoren-in Temple
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.
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.
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!
A hidden gem in Higashiyama! This temple is perfect if you want to avoid crowds. It’s a big traditional japanese mansion and you can explore the rooms quite freely. The garden is breathtaking and the altars are perfect for meditation. I could spend the whole day there!
Beautifull temple with a lovely small garden at the front, with a much larger one within the shrine. Both were incredibly peaceful to just sit and listen to the sounds of nature.
