Introducing the highlights of Sennyuji Temple, a temple dedicated to prayers for peace with successive emperors.

Leaf KYOTO Store Locations Introducing the highlights of Sennyu-ji, a temple that offers prayers for peace with successive emperors

2025.7.20

Introducing the highlights of Sennyu-ji, a temple that offers prayers for peace with successive emperors

This is the only temple in Japan where the mausoleums of 39 emperors and imperial princes are enshrined, including the tombs of the 14th emperor since Emperor Shijo.
It has a very deep connection with the imperial family, and it is said that he still takes a break at the Gozasho when he visits. The name Sennyu-ji Temple comes from the fact that the spring water flowed when Tsukirin Daishi built it in 1218 (Kenpo 6). The majestic descending approach from the main gate is like the beginning of your own time to regain the tranquility of your mind.
In addition, the 'Dainirvana painting' in its collection is said to be one of the three major paintings of the nirvana in Kyoto, along with those at Honpo-ji Temple and Tofukuji Temple.

Contents of this article

1.: Face-to-face with the most beautiful Yokihi Kannon

2.: A Buddhist temple guarded by demons watching from the roof

3.: Don't miss the special goshuin and hospitality!

4.: Admire the furnishings of the Gozasho and the autumn foliage in the garden

1.Face-to-face with the most beautiful Yokihi Kannon

The temple of Yokihi Kannon appears on the left after passing through the main gate. Since it was a secret Buddha that was only open to the public once every 100 years until 1955, the intricately crafted coronet and the plump and calm expression have preserved the beauty of a wooden statue from the Kamakura period. People from all over the country who wish to be beautiful on the inside and the outside come to join hands quietly in hopes of being beautiful on the outside and on the inside.

2.A Buddhist temple guarded by demons watching from the roof

The Buddhist temple was rebuilt in 1668 by Tokugawa Ietsuna, the fourth shogun, after it was destroyed during the Onin War.

In the inner sanctuary, three Buddhas, Amida Nyorai (present), Shaka Nyorai (past), and Miroku Nyorai (future), which are said to have been created by Unkei, are enshrined, and on the ceiling is a magnificent painting of a cloud and a dragon drawn by Tanyu Kano.

When you go outside, don't forget to look up at the roof because there is a certain point where the eyes of the onigawara light up.

3.Don't miss the special goshuin and hospitality!

今年は楊貴妃観音様の特別御朱印が登場するそう。また、僧侶の方と境内をゆっくり巡り、阿字観or写経の体験などができるプライベートプレミアム拝観（10、11月を除く）も好評なのでチェックしてみて。

4.Admire the furnishings of the Gozasho and the autumn foliage in the garden

In 1884 (Meiji 17), the Misato Palace was relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. There are eight rooms, including a court lady's room and an imperial envoy's room, and the throne room is still used as a resting room when members of the imperial family visit.

The tablecloth in the envoy room is a valuable item made by the Empress of Emperor Taisho. In addition, in the garden that spreads out in front of the space, you can appreciate the gorgeously colored autumn leaves at an early timing in Kyoto city.

Autumn leaves season information

Best time to see/Usually early to late November

Sennyu-ji Temple

Sennyuji
27 Sannaicho, Sennyuji, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
15-minute walk from Sennyuji-michi bus stop
20 minutes walk from JR Tofukuji Station
Tel.075-561-1551
20 parking lots
https://www.instagram.com/mitera.sennyujikyoto/
https://mitera.org/
[Normal visit]
Visiting hours: 9:00-17:00 (Last admission: 16:30) *Open until 16:00 from December to February
Entrance fee/500 yen *500 yen for the garden, the throne room, and the sea meeting hall (separate entrance fee required)

PHOTO/Taka Natsumi, TEXT/Riho Tachihara

The information is subject to change. Please contact each store or facility directly for the latest information.
All prices include tax.
※内容の誤りや閉店情報などお気づきの点がございましたら、info@leafkyoto.co.jp までお知らせください。
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

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