Shōkoku-ji Temple

What it is

• A major Rinzai Zen temple founded by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1382
• The second-ranked temple among the prestigious Kyoto Gozan Zen temples
• The primary temple dedicated to the deity Shaka Nyorai
• The administrative head of famous sub-temples including Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji

What to see

• The Dharma Hall rebuilt in 1605, which is the oldest in Japan
• A large dragon painting located on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall
• The Jotenkaku Museum which stores and displays various cultural assets
• Temple grounds situated directly to the north of the Kyoto Imperial Palace

Getting there

• The temple is a five-minute walk from Imadegawa Station

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.