What Is Shōju-in? The Appeal of a Temple That Heals the Heart
Shōju-in Temple (正寿院, Shōju-in) is a Kōyasan Shingon Buddhist temple located in the mountains of Ujitawara Town, Tsuzuki District, Kyoto Prefecture, where you can enjoy beautiful nature in every season.
In particular, the view from the heart-shaped Inome Window in the guest hall “Sokuten no Ma” is popular with overseas travelers as an Instagram-worthy photo spot.
It is also known for the Wind Chime Festival, which decorates the temple grounds with more than 2,000 wind chimes in summer, and is sometimes called “Kyoto’s Wind Chime Temple.”
History and Background of Shōju-in
Shōju-in is said to have been founded in the Kamakura period and has a history of more than 800 years.
It was revived in the early modern period, forming the foundation of the present temple.
It is also known for housing a Seated Fudō Myōō statue (National Important Cultural Property) said to have been made by the famous Kamakura-period Buddhist sculptor Kaikei.
The principal image, an Eleven-Headed Kannon, is a hidden Buddhist statue and is only displayed on limited occasions.
Buildings and Garden
The main hall of Shōju-in highlights the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture and offers visitors a sense of calm.
On the ceiling of the guest hall “Sokuten no Ma,” 160 vividly colored ceiling paintings themed around flowers and Japanese landscapes are displayed, making it another highlight alongside the Inome Window.
The garden is beautiful with seasonal plants, and you can enjoy different scenery throughout the year, including cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery and wind chimes in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy scenery in winter.
Heart-Shaped Inome Window: A Traditional Motif for Warding Off Evil and Inviting Good Fortune
The heart-shaped Inome Window, a symbol of Shōju-in, is modeled after the traditional “inome” motif long used in temple and shrine architecture.
Inome resembles a boar’s eye and has traditionally been believed to ward off evil and invite good fortune, so this window is also considered a “window of happiness” believed to bring blessings for good relationships.
The garden view seen through the window changes with the seasons—cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery—and is especially popular with couples and young women.
On monthly ennichi days ending in 8 (the 8th, 18th, and 28th), a wish cord called “Kanō-himo” is offered.
Wind Chime Festival: A Summer Tradition in Kyoto
The “Wind Chime Festival,” held every year from June 1 to September 30, is Shōju-in’s signature summer event.
More than 2,000 wind chimes are hung throughout the grounds, and their colorful designs create cool, refreshing sounds.
In addition to wind chimes from all over Japan, you can also enjoy a wind chime painting experience (reservation required).
Because the temple is located in the mountains where temperatures are lower than in the city, it is also a great place to visit to escape the heat of central Kyoto.
How to Get to Shōju-in and Visitor Information
Access
- Address: 149 Kawakami, Okuyamada, Ujitawara-chō, Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto Prefecture
- Access methods:
- [By car] About 20 minutes from Kasatori IC on the Keiji Bypass. Parking available (cooperation fee approx. 300 yen per car).
- [By bus] Take the “Uji Tea Bus” from Keihan / JR Uji Station, get off at “Okuyamada Shōju-in-guchi,” then walk about 15 minutes (service periods may be limited).
- [By taxi] About 10 minutes by taxi from the Kyoto Keihan Bus “Ichūmae” bus stop.
Visitor Information
- Opening hours: 9:00–16:30 (10:00–16:00 from December to March) *Last admission is 15 minutes before closing
- Admission fee: Around 600 yen (around 800 yen during the Wind Chime Festival period), includes tea and sweets
- Closed days: On the 3rd Sunday of April each year, only the guest hall can be visited; on August 17, temple viewing is closed all day
- Other: Admission fees and availability of special viewing vary depending on the season.
Visitor Tips: Useful Information Before You Go
1. Best Timing by Season
Shōju-in is a temple where you can enjoy beauty in all four seasons.
The best time for cherry blossoms is generally early to mid-April, and autumn leaves are usually best from mid to late November.
The summer Wind Chime Festival (June to September) is also a major highlight, and you can enjoy the sound of wind chimes in a cooler environment than central Kyoto.
If you want to take photos, early morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer, is the best time.
2. Experience Programs
Shōju-in offers participatory programs such as Buddhist bead bracelet making (year-round) and sutra copying / Buddhist image tracing experiences (year-round).
Yoga sessions while viewing the garden are also held seasonally (advance reservation is required for all programs).
3. Nearby Sightseeing Spots
After visiting Shōju-in, it is recommended to enjoy sightseeing spots in nearby Uji City as well.
A walk along the Uji River and World Heritage sites such as Byōdō-in Temple and Ujigami Shrine are also highlights.
Ujitawara is also known as the birthplace of green tea, and you can find sweets made with Uji tea and matcha cafés in the area.
4. Souvenir Information
At Shōju-in, original goshuinchō seal books (around 2,000 yen) and goshuin temple seals (around 500 yen) featuring the Inome Window motif are popular.
The heart-shaped “Mizuhiki Inome Omamori” charm (around 800 yen), made with decorative mizuhiki cords, is also recommended as a travel keepsake or gift.
Summary
Shōju-in is an old mountain temple where you can soothe your heart while experiencing Kyoto’s quiet atmosphere and nature.
It is filled with unique attractions you won’t easily find elsewhere, including the heart-shaped Inome Window, 160 ceiling paintings, and the summer Wind Chime Festival.
Driving is the most convenient way to get there, but if bus service is operating, you can also reach it by bus from Uji Station.
Please visit and enjoy the seasonal scenery.
