Shōkoku-ji Temple
相国寺 · 가미교구
Buddhist temple in Japan
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation1:58
Welcome to Shokokuji, a temple that stands as a monumental testament to the intersection of Zen Buddhism and the political might of the Ashikaga Shogunate. Founded in 1382 by the third Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Shokokuji is…
Listen in the app2The Somon Gate and the Echoes of War1:45
We begin at the Somon, the main outer gate. While it appears peaceful today, this gate once stood at the front lines of the bloodiest conflict in Kyoto’s history. …
Listen in the app3The Hatto — The Dharma Hall and the Crying Dragon1:42
The Hatto, or Dharma Hall, is the oldest surviving structure of its kind in Japan, rebuilt in 1605 through the patronage of Toyotomi Hideyori. This building is the spiritual heart of the temple complex, where the head abbot…
Listen in the app4The Abbot’s Quarters and the Zen Gardens1:49
Moving to the Hojo, or Abbot's Quarters, we encounter the more intimate side of Shokokuji. This building was the residence of the head priest and served as a place for receiving high-ranking guests, including members of the…
Listen in the app5Muromachi-dai and the Shogun's Proximity1:42
To understand Shokokuji, one must understand its neighbor: the Muromachi-dai, or the 'Palace of Flowers.' This was the administrative and residential palace of the Ashikaga Shoguns, and Shokokuji was built directly adjacent to it…
Listen in the app6The Jotokakuzen Museum — A Treasury of Zen Art1:42
One of the most important modern additions to Shokokuji is the Jotokakuzen Museum. Built to house the temple's vast collection of art, it is one of the finest private museums in Japan. …
Listen in the app7The Pine Groves and the Tomb of Ito Jakuchu1:52
The northern reaches of Shokokuji are dominated by ancient pine groves that provide a sense of profound stillness. Walking through these trees, one can easily forget that the bustling city of Kyoto lies just beyond the walls. …
Listen in the app8Closing1:27
Our journey through Shokokuji concludes here, in the shadow of its great halls. We have traversed a landscape that has been a center of power, a battlefield, a ruin, and a sanctuary. …
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What is Shōkoku-ji Temple?
Shōkoku-ji Temple is a place in 가미교구 with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | 가미교구 |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 13 min 57 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.0331, 135.7623 |
| Last updated |
