Where to See the Most Beautiful Temple Paintings in Japan
Shōren-in Temple in Kyoto is famous for the paintings on the sliding doors
Shōren-in (青蓮院) is a temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism, whose head priests were originally from the imperial family. Situated at the foot of Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountains, Shōren-in belongs to the Enryaku Temple in Mt. Hiei, the main temple of the Tendai Buddhist sect. It is also known for its striking interior paintings on the sliding doors (fusuma) and beautiful garden.
Although the temple was founded in the 12th century, the study room (kobun-tei) was used by the retired Emperor Gosakuramachi after the Imperial Palace burned down in 1788. Following the fire, Shōren-in served as a temporary Imperial Palace.
In the Meiji period, the kobun-tei came to be used as a tea ceremony room, but it burned down in 1993. The room was fully restored by November 1995.
Now, upon entering the temple, you will be met with the beautiful lotus flower paintings by Kimura Hideki on the fusuma in the drawing room (kacho-den). The kacho-den is also decorated with pictures of 36 Tanka poets.
Shijokodo Hall houses the temple’s main objects of worship. The object usually on display to the public is a drawing of Fudo Myoo, a fearsome deity of wisdom surrounded by flames and holding a sword. A poetic prayer to the deity would perhaps be to burn away any illness or hardship and enable something new to be reborn from the ashes.
The Garden of Shōren-in
The garden of Shōren-in is at the base of Mt. Awata. This tranquil and profound garden is said to be designed by So-ami during the Muromachi era.
The pond is surrounded by three buildings:
- Ko-gosho (the former living room of a head priest)
- Kacho-den (a guesthouse)
- Kobun-tei (a teahouse)
The south side of the pond features a basin of a waterfall called Sensin-no-taki which trickles down from the slope of Mount Awata. The pond is called Ryujin-no-ike, or “Dragon Stone” because the big stone located in the center of the pond looks like the back of a dragon bathing in the pond.
Enshu Kobori designed the garden of Kirishima on the east side. In May, beautiful red azaleas cover the entire slope alongside the Kobun-tei. Overall, the garden scenery is innovative but maintains a harmonious balance. A stroll through the gardens is an experience of serenity.
The beautiful interiors and perfectly designed gardens make Shōren-in my absolute favorite temple in Japan. I could spend several years living in this beautiful temple, doing nothing but drawing or writing. It is a perfectly tranquil and meditative environment.
