Shokoku-ji is the main temple of the Shokoku-ji sect of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. It is said to have been built at the same time as Rokuonji Temple by Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of Ashikaga. The Hatto, which stands almost in the center of the temple precincts, is designated as an Important Cultural Property as the oldest Buddhist temple building in Japan. The banryu-zu, a dragon with a stern face drawn on the ceiling of the hall, is also famous.
The highlight is the Karesansui Kaisando Garden, which is open to the public for special viewing only during the fall foliage season. In addition, maples and ginkgo trees are colored vividly here and there in the wide precincts.