Buddhist temple
Myōshin-ji
妙心寺（みょうしんじ）
Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
The head temple (daihonzan) of the Rinzai-shū Myōshinji school in Hanazono, Kyoto, known as the largest Zen temple in Japan. In the Butsuden (Buddha hall), which serves as its main hall, Oshaka-sama (Shaka) is enshrined as the principal image.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal object of worship: Oshaka-sama (Shaka), in the Butsuden
History and things to know
According to the official guide, it was opened in 1337 at the imperial request of the cloistered emperor Hanazono, with Musō Daishi as its founder. The oldest building within the precincts is the Muromachi-period Kaisandō (Mishōtō), and the vermilion Sanmon gate built in Keichō 4 and the Edo-period Butsuden and Hattō stand in a row. The founder's Dharma lineage divided into four branches and is carried on by temples throughout the country.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
There are many tatchū (sub-temples) within the precincts, and visiting them requires an admission fee separate from that of the head temple.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 妙心寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-21 確認）
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