Saishō-ji, Kyoto

#129 among attractions in Kyoto

Temple, Sacred and religious sites

Map

Facts and practical information

Saishō-ji was a Buddhist monastery in northeastern Kyoto, Japan, endowed by Emperor Toba in fulfillment of a sacred vow. It is famous for its monastery complexes which enjoyed extravagant Imperial patronage from their inception. They are sometimes identified as the "Superlative Temples" or the "Shō Temples" because of the middle syllable of the temple name. ()

Coordinates: 35°0'37"N, 135°47'42"E

Address

86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo-kuKyoto 606-8435 Japan

Contact

+81 75-771-1891

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Kyoto

Day trips

Saishō-ji – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Philosopher's Walk, National Museum of Modern Art, Heian Shrine, Nanzen-ji.

0.8 miN
Waterfront footpath with cherry blossoms
Philosopher's Walk, Kyoto
22 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Japan, lies the Philosopher's Walk, a picturesque hiking trail that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This stone path, which stretches approximately two kilometers, is named after the influential 20th-century...
0.8 miW
Collection by contemporary local artists
National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto
20 min walk • Nestled in the cultural heart of Kyoto, the National Museum of Modern Art, commonly abbreviated as MoMAK, is a premier destination for art enthusiasts and a beacon of contemporary creativity. This esteemed institution, dedicated to the collection and exhibition of...
0.9 miNW
Temple
Heian Shrine, Kyoto
22 min walk • Heian Shrine stands as a serene and grandiose symbol of Kyoto's cultural heritage, reflecting the city's deep historical roots and its enduring traditions. This Shinto shrine, established in 1895, was built to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of...
~300 ftW
Grand Buddhist temple with a Zen garden
Nanzen-ji, Kyoto
2 min walk • Nanzen-ji, a historic Zen Buddhist temple, stands as a serene testament to Kyoto's spiritual and cultural heritage. Nestled at the base of the forested Higashiyama mountains, this temple complex is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of architectural beauty...
1.1 miSW
Temple, Sacred and religious sites, Historical place
Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto
28 min walk • Yasaka Shrine, nestled in the heart of Kyoto, is a beacon of tradition and an enduring testament to Japan's spiritual heritage. This historic Shinto shrine, also known as Gion Shrine, is renowned for its stunning architecture and its pivotal role in the city's cultural...
~1150 ftNW
Museum, Art museum
Nomura Art Museum, Kyoto
6 min walk • Nestled in the historic city of Kyoto, the Nomura Art Museum stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Japan. This intimate museum is revered for its exceptional collection of traditional Japanese art, particularly tea ceremony utensils, which have been...
~1570 ftN
Prominent Buddhist temple complex
Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji, Kyoto
8 min walk • Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji, nestled amidst the vibrant hues of Kyoto's Higashiyama district, stands as a serene testament to the city's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. This historic temple, dating back to the Heian period, is a cornerstone of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism...
1 miSW
Tranquil Buddhist temple with gardens
Kōdai-ji, Kyoto
27 min walk • Kōdai-ji, a serene Zen temple nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Japan, offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Founded in 1606 by Kita-no-Mandokoro in memory of her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a prominent historical figure, the temple is a...
0.7 miW
Buddhist architecture, Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Shōren-in, Kyoto
17 min walk • Shōren-in, a serene oasis nestled in the bustling city of Kyoto, Japan, is a historic temple that offers a tranquil retreat from the urban pace. Known for its intimate connection with the imperial family and its role as a residence for high-ranking monks, Shōren-in...
0.5 miW
Modern, compact zoo with a train
Kyoto City Zoo, Kyoto
14 min walk • Kyoto City Zoo is a zoo located in Sakyō ward, Kyoto and was established in 1903, making it the second oldest zoo in the country after Ueno Zoo in Tokyo. The Kyoto City Zoo is a member of the world Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
0.7 miW
Museum, Art museum
Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, Kyoto
18 min walk • The Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art is one of the oldest art museums in Japan. It is located in Okazaki Park in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto and opened in 1928 as a commemoration of Emperor Hirohito's coronation ceremony as it was initially called the Shōwa Imperial Coronation Art Museum of Kyoto.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Saishō-ji?

Nearby attractions include Nanzen-ji, Kyoto (2 min walk), Nomura Art Museum, Kyoto (6 min walk), Konchi-in Temple, Kyoto (8 min walk), Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji, Kyoto (8 min walk).

How to get to Saishō-ji by public transport?

The nearest stations to Saishō-ji:

Metro

Keage • Lines: T (8 min walk)
Higashiyama • Lines: T (23 min walk)

Bus

Nanzenji eikando Michi bus Station • Lines: 5 (10 min walk)
南禅寺・疎水記念館・動物園東門前 • Lines: 京都岡崎ループ (11 min walk)