Founded by Yoshimitsu Ashikaga (足利義満), Shokokuji Temple (相国寺) is the largest Zen (禅) temple in Kyoto. It's close to Gosho palace (京都御所, Kyoto Imperial Garden) and its premises is rich in nature. In a chamber of this temple, there is the famous cedar door painting of magnificent white elephant, created by Hara Zaicyu (原在中), a painter in the Edo (江戸) era. Although there must not have been any elephant in Japan at that time, the painting is very real as if the painter had actually seen it. I spent a good time in the temple, watching the beautiful garden made of white sand, and the white elephant cedar door painting.
Akane Kibune
Kyoto Expert Certification 1st Grade
URL:
Open:
Only during the special admission period
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fee:
Adult 800yen
Sinor (over 65) /Junior high and high school students 700 yen
Elementary school students 400 yen
Access:
11 mins. on foot from Imadegawa, Subway Karasuma line
14 mins. on foot from Doshisya-mae, Kyoto city bus
MAP:
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