Shorinji Temple (Tofukuji Subtemple)

Japanese name： 勝林寺（東福寺塔頭）

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Main Image Wooden Standing Bishamonten Category Tenbu (Deva)

Impression Tags

DignityPowerTense Presence

Description

Shorinji, a subtemple of Tofukuji in Kyoto’s Higashiyama Ward, preserves a wooden standing Bishamonten dating to the 10th century of the Heian period. The figure is 145.7 cm tall and is said to have once been hidden above the ceiling of Tofukuji’s Buddha Hall. It was rediscovered in the Edo period and enshrined at Shorinji to guard Tofukuji’s northeast, the traditional demon gate. Nearly life-sized and normally kept as a secret image, it is unveiled during special viewing periods at New Year, in spring and in autumn. Its antiquity, guardian role and clearly defined opportunities for direct viewing make it a particularly strong Buddhist-image destination.

Basic Information

Spot ID 7725

Temple / Site Shorinji Temple (Tofukuji Subtemple)

Visiting Area Bishamonten Hall

Visiting Status Normally closed; special viewing at New Year, in spring (around April), and in autumn (around mid-November to early December)

Address 京都府京都市東山区本町15-795

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