Basic Information
Description
The head temple of the Rinzai Myoshin-ji school. Mountain name: Shobo-zan. The principal image is Shaka Nyorai (Shakyamuni Buddha).
Emperor Hanazono converted his Hagiwara-dono detached palace into a temple. The founding abbot was Kanzan Egen, and the year of establishment is recorded as 1337.
The major buildings are primarily Momoyama-period architecture — the Imperial Messenger Gate, Sanmon Gate, Butsuden (Buddha Hall), Hatto (Lecture Hall), Shindo (Sleeping Hall), and others are mostly built in the Chinese Zen (karayo) style. The sliding-door paintings in the Hojo (Abbot's Quarters) are by Kano Tanyu and Morinobu.
The ceiling of the Hatto features a cloud dragon painting by Kano Tanyu. The National Treasure temple bell, known as the "Oshiki-cho no Kane," is also famous.
Today, 41 sub-temples fill the vast grounds, giving the whole complex the feel of a small town.