Choken-ji Temple — Attraction in Kyoto

Tucked away in Kyoto's historic Fushimi district, Chōken-ji—affectionately known as "Shima no Benten-san"—is a serene sanctuary where time seems to pause.

As I passed through the vibrant vermilion Ryūgū-mon gate, reminiscent of a mythical palace, I was greeted by the gentle murmur of the nearby canal and the soft rustle of leaves. The air was imbued with a sense of tranquility, inviting introspection.

At the heart of the temple resides the Eight-Armed Benzaiten, a rare deity symbolizing music, wisdom, and prosperity. Though typically hidden from view, her presence is palpable, offering a silent blessing to all who visit.

The temple's Akasui spring, renowned for its pure waters, has long been cherished by locals and travelers alike. Sipping from it felt like partaking in a centuries-old ritual, connecting me to generations past.

In spring, the temple grounds are adorned with the delicate blossoms of the Itozakura—a weeping cherry tree known for its early bloom. The cascading petals create a pink canopy, casting dappled shadows that dance with the breeze.

Chōken-ji isn't just a place of worship; it's a haven where the spiritual and the natural coalesce, offering solace to the weary soul. A visit here is not merely sightseeing—it's a gentle journey into the heart of Kyoto's...

Fushimi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #10 Choken-ji Temple ---also known as Shima-no-Benten--- Years ago, I was walking around the Fushimi area with my family members, one of whom was a Ryoma freak. We bumped into a temple with loud flashy red walls and buildings. That was Choken-ji Temple. Retrospectively, that was my first encounter with a member temple of Fushimi 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, which I didn't even know existed. They looked very Chinese when many Japanese temples enjoy their beauty through a sense of austerity and antiquity. There used to be a red-light district in the Chushojima area, and the temple was in the middle of the area. The main deity was Saraswati, or Benzaiten in Japanese, the goddess of water and music. The goddess used to be known for her beauty, and thus sometimes be a metaphor of a beautiful female. Very iconic with pathos. After Choken-ji Temple, I called it a day and left for Keihan Line Chushojima Sttion to go...

The attitude of the elderly monks is bad. I want to buy goshuin for unmanned sales, so I asked a monk at the office to exchange 10,000 yen bills for 5,000 yen and 1,000 yen. However, this monk suddenly yelled at me in the presence of other worshipers. Don't exchange money! He said. And I asked about my house and age. Other words of discrimination and disdain were said. I was laughed at in front of other worshipers. The monk finally threw a coin at me and told me to count it myself. I am very sad. I haven't done anything wrong. I will never go again. Please refer to other people's reviews before...