Seigan-ji Temple

In short

The head temple of the Seizan Fukakusa branch of the Jodo sect, located in the middle of the Shinkyogoku Shopping Street. It is said to have been founded in Nara by imperial decree of Emperor Tenji, and in 1591 it moved to its current location by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The current main hall was built in 1964.

• ​Principal Image of Amida Nyorai​​: Counted as one of the Six Amida of the Capital (Kyoraku Roku Amida), it has been worshipped as a Buddha that removes suffering and gives joy both in this world and the next
• ​Izumi Shikibu and the Noh Play "Seigan-ji"​​: In the Noh play "Seigan-ji," the spirit of Izumi Shikibu appears before Ippen Shonin, who visits the temple, and, as a bodhisattva of song and dance, performs a dance
• ​Anrakuan Sakuden, the Founder of Rakugo​​: Anrakuan Sakuden, the 55th head priest, compiled the material for otoshibanashi (comic stories with punchlines) into "Seisuisho," a collection of humorous tales, and is known as the founder of rakugo. Every year at the beginning of October, the temple holds the Sakuden-ki memorial service and hosts a dedicatory rakugo gathering

History and Highlights

​Seigan-ji Temple​​, located in the middle of the Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, is the head temple of the Seizan Fukakusa branch of the Jodo sect. It is said to have been founded in Nara by imperial decree of Emperor Tenji, and the temple transmits a history of over 1,300 years since its founding. According to the temple's origins, Kenmonshi and his son Keshikoku, Yamato Buddhist sculptors who received an order from Emperor Tenji, are said to have created a seated image of Amida Buddha of joroku size. Originally a temple of the Sanron sect, it was converted to the Jodo sect during the time of a head priest who devoted himself to Honen.

The temple relocated over time from Asuka, through Nagaoka-kyo, to Ichijo Ogawa in Kyoto. In 1591, it moved to its current location by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and structures including the main hall and a three-story pagoda were restored through the vow of Hideyoshi's concubine, Matsu no Maru-dono. During the Edo period, it repeatedly suffered fires, with even the principal image being burned on occasion. When Shinkyogoku was created in 1872, the temple grounds were reduced, and the current main hall was built in 1964. The wooden standing statue of Bishamonten and the color painting on silk of the Origins of Seigan-ji Temple are designated as national Important Cultural Properties.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Principal Image of Amida Nyorai​​: The principal image of Amida Nyorai is counted as one of the Six Amida of the Capital (Kyoraku Roku Amida) and has been worshipped as a Buddha that removes suffering and gives joy both in this world and the next. According to the temple's origins, it is said that Sei Shonagon and Izumi Shikibu also visited this temple and chanted the Nembutsu to pray for rebirth in the Pure Land.
• ​Izumi Shikibu and the Noh Play "Seigan-ji"​​: In the Noh play "Seigan-ji," the spirit of Izumi Shikibu appears before Ippen Shonin, who visits the temple, and asks him to change the writing on the temple plaque to the six-character name of Amitabha (Rokuji Myogo). When Shonin changes the plaque, Shikibu's spirit appears as a bodhisattva of song and dance and performs a dance.
• ​Anrakuan Sakuden, the Founder of Rakugo​​: Anrakuan Sakuden, who became the 55th head priest in 1613, performed otoshibanashi (comic stories with punchlines) on the preaching platform and compiled the material for these stories into the eight volumes of "Seisuisho," a collection of humorous tales. For this reason, he is known as the founder of rakugo. Every year at the beginning of October, the temple holds the Sakuden-ki memorial service and hosts a dedicatory rakugo gathering.

Tips for Exploring

Located in the middle of the Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, you can stop by while shopping or strolling through town. It is about a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto-kawaramachi Station. Just over 100 meters to the south lies Takoyakushi-do Eifuku-ji Temple, about 250 meters away is Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, and about 300 meters to the north is Honno-ji Temple.