What are the Five Tendai Monzeki Temples in Kyoto?

The Five Tendai Monzeki Temples in Kyoto are Shoren-in, Myoho-in, Sanzenin, Manshuin, and Bishamondo.

Explore Five Tendai Monzeki Temples - Kyoto Travel Guide

Q: What is a Monzeki Temple?

Monzeki means that their head priests (abbots) belonged to the imperial family or the nobility.

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Facts & Figures

The five Monzeki Temples (Gokashitsu Monzeki) of the Tendai sect in Kyoto have one thing in common their head priests (abbots) belonged to the imperial family or the nobility. These were usually Imperial princes and princesses. This position came with a high status and prestige. The temples Shoren-in, Myoho-in, Sanzenin, Manshuin, and Bishamondo belong to this group. Best Ryokans in Kyoto Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
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Overview of the Five Tendai Monzeki Temples (Gokashitsu Monzeki) in Kyoto:
1. Shoren-in Temple
2. Myoho-in Temple
3. Sanzenin Temple
4. Manshuin Temple
5. Bishamondo Temple

1. Shoren-in Temple

Shoren-in, also known as Awata Palace, is the first out of five Monzeki Temples in Kyoto. Shoren-in belongs to Enryaku-ji Temple at Mt. Hiei, where the Tendai Buddhist sect was founded by priest Saicho (767 - 822). The temple is full of national treasures and important cultural assets.

Address: 69-1 Sanjobocho, Awataguchi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0035

2. Myoho-in Temple

Myoho-in is a Buddhist temple and belongs to the Tendai Sect. After entering the temple grounds through the huge gate you will see a building called Kuri (Priest´s Quarter). It is a large wooden structure hosting the kitchen and offices of the Myoho-in Monzeki temple and belongs to the list of National Treasures in Japan.

Address: 447 Myohoin Maekawacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0932

3. Sanzenin Temple

Sanzenin, known as Kajii Monzeki, is a Zen Buddhism Temple in the beautiful village Ohara (1hr north of Kyoto) and belongs to the Tendai Sect. The temple is well-known for its amazing moss gardens, long history of over 1200 years, and beautiful autumn colors. The peak season to see the autumn foliage with the bright red maple leaves is in mid-November.

Address: 540 Ohara Raikoin-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 601-1242

4. Manshuin Temple

Manshuin Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto and belongs to the Tendai Sect. Manshuin dates back to the 8th century. Its old buildings and structures got the status of Important Cultural Properties. The place is well-known for its beautiful Shoin architecture, paintings on sliding doors (fusuma), autumn foilage and the gardens, which have the status of a Place of Scenic Beauty.

Address: 42 Ichijoji Takenouchicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8134

5. Bishamondo Temple

Bishamondo Temple dates back to the 8th century and was founded by well-known monk Gyoki (668 - 749) on the order of Emperor Monmu (683 – 707). People come here to enjoy the autmn season in November with the colorful maple tree leaves and to admire the 150-year-old cherry tree in front of Shinden Hall.

Address: 18 Anshuinariyamacho, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto, 607-8003