Shorin-in Temple
勝林院
A Pure Land Buddhism temple in Ohara famous as the site of the "Ohara Dialogue" of 1186, where the monk Honen debated Buddhist scholars before Emperor Go-Shirakawa. The Amida Buddha statue reportedly emitted light during the debate, affirming Honen's teachings.
Key Architectural & Sacred Highlights
- Site of historic 1186 Ohara Dialogue (Buddhist debate)
- Amida Buddha that reportedly emitted light
- Rarely visited even by Ohara tourists
- Adjacent to famous Sanzen-in
- Affordable admission (300 yen)
- Peaceful Pure Land atmosphere
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Bus stop Ohara (Bus 17) - 10 min walk
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Ohara bus stop: 10 minute walk following signs
- 2 Adjacent to Sanzen-in entrance area
- 3 From Kyoto Station: Bus 17 to Ohara (60 min)
- 4 Combine with Sanzen-in and Hozen-in (all adjacent)
Live Municipal Bus Approach GTFS-RT
Nearest Stop: Ohara Bus Terminal (Route 17/19) (大原バスターミナル) • ~11 min walk
Footwear & Accessibility Radar
Shoe Removal for Shomyo Chanting Hall
Sit on tatami to experience acoustic resonance of Tendai Buddhist chanting.
Flat stone path through rural hamlet; entrance step has low wooden threshold.
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
35.121111 135.837222 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn for maples around the approach. Any season for the historical significance. Very few tourists even when Sanzen-in is busy. Peaceful meditation opportunity.
Contact & Info
187 Ohara Shono-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 601-1241
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These sacred sites are closest to Shorin-in Temple and easy to combine in a single visit.
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