Founded by Yoshimitsu Ashikaga, Shokokuji Temple is the largest Zen temple in Kyoto. It's close to Gosho palace and its premises is rich in nature. In a chamber of this temple, there is the famous cedar door painting of magnificent white elephant, created by HARA ZAICHU, a painter in the EDO era. Although we all know there must not have been any elephant at all at that time in Japan, you might want to say, "did you actually see that?" when you saw the painting in front of your very eyes. I spent a elegant time in the temple, watching the beautiful garden made of white sand, and the white elephant cedar door painting.
Akane Kibune
Shokokuji Temple URL:
Open:
Only during the special admission period
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fee:
Adult 800yen
Sinor (over 65) /Junior high and high school students 700 yen
Elementary school students 400 yen
Access:
11 mins on foot from Imadegawa, Subway Karasuma line
14 mins on foot from Doshisya-mae, Kyoto city bus
MAP:
