Buddhist temple
Somedono-in
染殿院（そめどのいん）
Nakagyō, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
A small temple on Shinkyōgoku-dōri near Shijō, Kyoto, long revered as a temple that watches over safe childbirth. It enshrines the “Somedono Jizō,” a hidden Jizō Bosatsu said to have been made by Kōbō Daishi.
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
Buddha enshrined: Jizō Bosatsu (Somedono Jizō)
History and things to know
According to the temple's guide, it is said to have been opened in 808 by Kōbō Daishi Kūkai. The consort of Emperor Montoku is said to have conceived after praying to this temple's Jizō Bosatsu and to have given birth to the future Emperor Seiwa; because she was called Empress Somedono, the temple also came to be called Somedono-in. The Jizō Bosatsu is regarded as a hidden buddha shown only once every fifty years.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 染殿院「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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