聖護院

The name "Shogoin," located in the southern part of Sakyo Ward, is derived from its main temple, and its territory roughly corresponds to the former Shogoin Village in the old Atago District. It is the birthplace of the traditional Japanese sweets known as Shogoin Yatsuhashi, as well as Shogoin Daikon, Shogoin Turnips, and Shogoin Cucumbers, which are all varieties of Kyoto vegetables.
Since its establishment, Shogo-in has had a deep connection with the imperial family, with members of the imperial family and regent families often serving as the head priests. Temples like this are referred to as "monzeki" temples and are considered some of the few high-status temples in Japan.
Also known as Shōgo-in Monzeki, it was referred to as Kinrin-fu. It was once one of the three monzeki of the Tendai sect's temple gate faction (Tendai Jimon).
Particularly, Shogo-in is the only temple designated as a historic site of a "temporary imperial residence," as it served as the place of residence for Emperor Kōkaku for about three years after he escaped the Great Fire of Tenmei during the Edo period. Within the temple, numerous valuable kanpeki shōhekiga (gold and brilliant screen paintings) depicting flowers, birds, wise figures, and magnificent nature remain, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Kyoto culture.
On one hand, with its graceful aspects, Shōgo-in also serves as the head temple of the Hōbō Shugen sect, which practices "Shugendō," a form of ascetic training that immerses practitioners in the mountains and wilds. Many people, both monks and laypersons, participate in the ascetic practices, such as the spring Kongo training and the autumn Ōmine pilgrimage, conveying the Yamanashi monks' faith in perceiving the teachings of Buddha within nature to the modern world.
nkonkohira
September 14, 2024

The elegance of the temple and its rigorous mountain training. The history of our temple dates back to the fourth year of the Kanji era (1090), when the great monk Zōyō served as a guide for Emperor Shirakawa's pilgrimage to Kumano. He was granted the temple, and due to his achievement of "preserving the sacred body," it was named "Shōgo-in." Later, the temple moved around Kyoto due to wars and fires, but in the fourth year of the Enpō era (1676), it was rebuilt at its current location, which is also the site of its original establishment.

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