Seiryōji (Saga Shakadō) Temple — Attraction in Kyoto

Seiryō-ji, a Buddhist temple, in Arashiyama section of Kyoto, retains Japanese Buddhism culture and tradition. The temple seems to have long history with Chinese Buddhism by going back to Chinese Tang Dynasty of the 7th century, and its Buddhist artifice collection in the main hall seems to document its close tie with Chinese and Indian Buddhism.

Because it is NOT located at Arashiyama train station, bridge, or bamboo glove areas, which are more popular and known for the tourists, its about 10-minute walking distance from Arashiyama train station actually offers it an unique Buddhist serenity and quietness without much noise or loud talking of the tourists.

The rear area of the temple, which requires moderate admission fee to enter, exhibits Buddhist practice- including sitting, writing- building design and architect, and chatting and learning with and from Buddhist Masters who are friendly and patient. The rear section of the temple has an unique traditional wooden walkway to connect the front main hall. The rear section of the temple also has unique but tranquil garden of flower trees and moss on the garden floor.

The rear-garden Zen or sitting worship room offers worshipers for writing Buddhism pray or so called NO-evil behaviors pledges, and worshipers are allowed to leave their writing in the front of the worship room, with or without donations, and monks will pray for the believers,

During Chinese Cultural Revolution and, later, Kyoto University College Revolt [in 1969], many Japanese universities, including Kyoto University, had wide-spread student unrest on campus which caused campus lock-up. Because of his academic relations with various religious and history scholars of Kyoto University, Master Monk of Seiryo-ji Temple, who was a famous history scholar, offered help to foreign visiting scholars to Kyoto University for temporary residence in the temple.

In April, Seiryo-ji Temple will have its annual tradition for traditional drama show to represent the kick off of traditional Japanese drama season.

The Temple also holds two times per year for its collection of Buddhist art, mainly 10th century statutes, and generally it is held and open for the visitors in April and Oct-Nov. The admission is 300 yen in 2018.

Staff at the front reception or admission office do know some foreign language, including English, and they are willing to help visitors by hand signs or other measures. Some of the staffs are volunteers, including cleaning workers.

While temple is serene and peaceful overall, visitors can feel that strong sense of humanity and classic wooden building walkway in the rear garden of the temple. In rear garden, visitors can also write visiting impression and reflection on the visitors books. Visitors can also write their "Promise for Doing Goodness" and make special prayer or wish on the Japanese tatami Zen practice or sitting worship room which has Buddha image in the front center. The Zen practice room provides a rare seclusion for relaxation and reflection with quietness, when Arashiyama is becoming more and more crowded with noise.

The temple's simple but beautiful garden has cherry blossom trees and other flower trees in Spring and In Autumn.

Visitors coming out the temple's main gate may want to turn left and stop by at the Japanese bean curd store which is one of the Kyoto's oldest bean curd makers and which always has numerous home town buyers from Kyoto for its daily fresh-make bean curds. Tourists can also buy and try the just-make bean curd at the store.

Walking to Seiryo-ji Temple is about 6 to 8 minutes of walking distance from JR Arishiyama train station or Keifuku [Randen] Line Arashiyama...

I visited this temple today @11:00am, sat in front of temple for a break, then head to next temple, totally forgot about the purse left behind me. Half hour later I realize the loss of purse and rushed back to this temple. Blessings by Holy Buddha, with the help of staff in temple, they returned me my purse with passport in it. But a decent amount of money missed. This is a bitter sweet experience. I should be so grateful to recover the passport, but I really want to tell the person who took the money as following: if you are in this temple, you are already in path of searching spiritual peace. Money present big temptation for weak soul, and by taking away the money that does not belong to you, you add burden to your life. Today is a raining day, I learned big...

Stepping into the grounds of Seiryō-ji Temple is like stepping into a world frozen in time. With a history spanning over 1100 years, this Buddhist temple in the Arashiyama region holds a mesmerizing charm that is sure to captivate visitors from near and far.

Beyond the Shakadō Hall lies a stunning Japanese garden, meticulously landscaped to perfection. The carefully manicured trees, serene ponds, and carefully placed stones create a harmonious balance that reflects the essence of Zen philosophy. It's a place where nature and architecture coexist in perfect harmony, inviting visitors to contemplate the interconnection...