Bring a small offering (even 200 yen covers the participation fee) if you want to join one of the monthly goma prayer ceremonies, which last about an hour and include tea and refreshments afterward.
At a Glance
Founded in the Heian period by Emperor Kanmu and Dengyo Daishi, Sorin-ji was built specifically to pray for national peace and imperial stability, a purpose it has maintained for over 1,200 years.
The temple's main Yakushi Nyorai statue, carved by Dengyo Daishi himself, sits about 7 meters away from visitors, a deliberate distance that reflects the contemplative, non-tourist nature of this working prayer temple.
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This temple offers goshuin, but we don't have photos yet. Be the first to share yours!
Bring a small offering (even 200 yen covers the participation fee) if you want to join one of the monthly goma prayer ceremonies, which last about an hour and include tea and refreshments afterward.
There is no parking at the temple itself, so use the Maruyama Park underground parking lot or public transportation to arrive. From Kyoto Station, take bus line 206 from stop D-2, or walk about 10 minutes from the Gion bus stop after heading east through the Yasaka Shrine area.
If you're collecting stamps for the Kyoto Twelve Yakushi Pilgrimage, note that the temple only issues stamps to visitors who have actually come in person, not by mail or proxy.
Contact the temple by email before your visit if you're planning to come based on information from online sources or old guidebooks, since the temple's status and what's available to visitors changes over time.
Visit between 9 AM and 4 PM on weekdays to find the temple open and avoid the small crowds that gather during weekend goma prayer ceremonies.
Do not expect to see the main Yakushi Nyorai statue up close, as visitors view it from approximately 23 feet away in the main hall.
Seasonal celebrations and special occasions
十一面観音 Prayer Goma Rite
Monthly prayer goma rite dedicated to Eleven-Headed Kannon, held on the first day of each month. Participants should gather about 15 minutes beforehand with prayer beads; no advance reservation is required.
Yakushi Nyorai Prayer Goma Rite
Monthly prayer goma rite dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, held on the eighth day of each month. Participants should gather about 15 minutes beforehand with prayer beads; no advance reservation is required.
十一面観音 Prayer Goma Rite (Third Sunday)
Monthly prayer goma rite dedicated to Eleven-Headed Kannon, held on the third Sunday of each month. Participants should gather about 15 minutes beforehand with prayer beads; no advance reservation is required.
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Higashiyama, Kyoto Prefecture
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