Complete Guide to Saiho-niji Temple (Kyoto Prefecture): History and Highlights of the Nunnery in Kamishichiken, Known as the “Tea Temple”
Naiho-niji Temple, nestled in Kamishichiken, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, is a quiet nunnery located just east of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Known as the “Tea Temple,” this temple has deep ties to the tea ceremony and preserves a history and valuable cultural assets dating back to the Muromachi period. This article provides detailed information you should know before visiting, including the history, highlights, and access methods of Saiho-niji Temple.
Basic Information on Saiho-niji Temple
Official Name: Shinseizan Saiho-niji Temple
Sect: Tendai Shinsei Sect (Tendai Shinsei School)
Principal Image: Amida Buddha (Seated Buddha)
Location: 745 Shinsei-cho, Imadegawa-dori, Shichihonmatsu Nishi-iru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Founded: Bunmei era (1469-1487)
Founder: Shinsei Shonin
Saiho-niji Temple belongs to the Tendai Shinsei sect and is a temple whose head temple is Saikyo-ji Temple in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. It has the mountain name Shinseizan and is also known as the seventh temple on the Shinsei Shonin Twenty-Five Sacred Sites pilgrimage route.
History of Seihō-niji Temple
Founding and First Abbot
According to temple tradition, Seihō-niji Temple was established during the Bunmei era (1469-1487) in Ōkitayama, Kadono-gun (present-day Kita-ku), as a training hall for nuns, with Shinsei Shōnin, a high-ranking priest of the Tendai sect, as its first abbot. Shinsei Shōnin was a monk who was active in the late Muromachi period, preaching a unique doctrine that emphasized chanting the Buddha’s name and adherence to precepts, attracting many followers.
After studying Tendai Buddhism at Mount Hiei, Shinsei Shōnin devoted himself to spreading the teachings among the common people, and was particularly enthusiastic about the salvation of women. The founding of Seihō-niji Temple reflects Shinsei Shōnin’s idea of providing a place for women to practice Buddhism.
Relocation to Current Location and Restoration
During the Eishō era (1504-1521), the temple was relocated to its current location in Kamishichiken and renamed Seihō-ji Temple. It is believed that this relocation was due to changes in Kyoto’s urban planning and temple layout at the time.
Later, during the Eisho era, it was restored by two nuns, Seikyu-ni and Seishun-ni, and has been continued as a nunnery ever since. This restoration by these two nuns clarified the character of Saiho-niji as a nunnery and strengthened its role as a training ground for women.
Connection to Kamishichiken
Kamishichiken, where Saiho-niji is located, is known as Kyoto’s oldest geisha district. In this area, which developed as a temple town for Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Saiho-niji has served as a spiritual support for the community. Its location next to the Kamishichiken Kaburenjo (theater) creates a unique Kyoto landscape where geisha culture and Buddhist culture coexist.
Highlights of Saiho-niji
Principal Image: Sitting Buddha (Amida Buddha Statue)
The principal image of Saiho-niji, the Amida Buddha statue, is affectionately known by the unique name “Sitting Buddha.” The origin of this name lies in the fact that the Buddha statue is seated on a chair.
Normally, Amida Buddha statues are often depicted in the lotus position on a lotus pedestal, but this statue is unusual in that it is seated on a chair. This posture is said to represent the “middle grade, middle birth” stage of rebirth, and represents one of the nine grades of rebirth.
Buddha statues seated on chairs are relatively rare in Japan and are thought to be a style influenced by China and the Korean Peninsula. This unique posture makes the Buddha more approachable and relatable to worshippers.
Important Cultural Property: Silk Painting of the Contemplation Sutra Mandala
The most important cultural property owned by Seihō-niji Temple is the “Silk Painting of the Contemplation Sutra Mandala,” which is designated as an Important Cultural Property. This mandala depicts the Pure Land as described in the *Contemplation Sutra*, and is believed to have been created using the tapestry of the Contemplation Sutra Mandala of Princess Chūjō, preserved at Taima-dera Temple in Yamato, as a model.
The legend of Princess Chūjō tells of a noblewoman from the Nara period who wove a mandala overnight using lotus threads, and it holds an important place in Japanese Pure Land Buddhism. The Contemplation Sutra Mandala at Saihō-niji Temple is a valuable work that carries on this tradition.
Currently, this mandala is on deposit at the Kyoto National Museum and is sometimes displayed in special exhibitions. Characterized by its delicate brushwork and vibrant colors, it is highly regarded as a work that demonstrates the high level of Buddhist painting in the Muromachi period.
Aspect as a Tea Temple
Saihō-niji Temple is also known as a “Tea Temple.” It has deep ties to the tea ceremony and has attracted the devotion of those involved in the tea ceremony. Located in the Kamishichiken geisha district, the temple is sometimes visited by geiko and maiko, and possesses a unique atmosphere where Kyoto’s traditional culture and Buddhism are fused.
It is said that there was a tea room within the temple grounds, and tea ceremonies were sometimes held there. The spirit of the tea ceremony, “harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility,” combined with Buddhist teachings, created a space for calming the mind and contemplating the Buddhist path.
Access to Seihō-niji Temple
Access by Train
Keifuku Electric Railway Kitano Line
- Approximately 9 minutes on foot (approx. 697m) from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station
- Head east from Kitano-Hakubaicho Station, then head west along Imadegawa Street.
City Bus
- Get off at the “Kitano Tenmangu-mae” bus stop, approximately 3 minutes on foot
- Get off at the “Kamishichiken” bus stop, approximately 2 minutes on foot
Access from Major Nearby Spots
From Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
It is a very short distance, approximately 1 minute on foot east from the east gate of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Visiting in conjunction with a visit to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is recommended.
From Kinkaku-ji Temple
Approximately 15 minutes by bus, or approximately 30 minutes on foot.
From Kyoto Station
Take City Bus routes 50 or 101 and get off at “Kitano Tenmangu-mae” bus stop. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Address and Map Information
Address: 745 Shinsei-cho, Imadegawa-dori, Shichihonmatsu-nishi-iru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Nearest Station: Kitano-Hakubaicho Station, Keifuku Electric Railway Kitano Line
Nishihoji Temple is located near the intersection of Imadegawa-dori and Shichihonmatsu-dori, in the heart of the Kamishichiken geisha district. The surrounding area is a quiet residential neighborhood with traditional townhouses, offering a distinctly Kyoto atmosphere.
Visiting Information and Precautions
About Visiting
Nishihoji Temple is a nunnery and is usually closed to the public. Entry to the grounds and viewing the interior are generally not permitted. Visitors are expected to view the exterior only and to pray quietly.
Special openings are occasionally held, but not frequently. It is recommended to check for information beforehand, as it may be open during Kyoto City’s special opening programs such as “Kyoto Summer Trip” and “Kyoto Winter Trip.”
Manners for Visiting the Temple
- Please understand that this is a nunnery and pray quietly.
- Please limit photography to the exterior only and refrain from entering the temple grounds.
- As it is located in a residential area, please avoid loud conversations and noise.
- Please be mindful of the neighbors and avoid lingering for extended periods in front of the gate.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Located a one-minute walk from Seihō-niji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is the head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines nationwide, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. Known for its plum blossoms, it is bustling with many visitors on the 25th of each month for its festival, “Tenjin-san.” With many attractions including the National Treasure main hall and Sankōmon gate, it is a must-visit spot along with Seihō-niji Temple.
Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater
Located next to Seihō-niji Temple, Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater is a facility where geiko and maiko from Kamishichiken, Kyoto’s oldest geisha district, practice and perform. In spring, the “Kitano Odori” dance performance is held, allowing visitors to enjoy traditional Kyoto performing arts.
Hirano Shrine
Located about a 10-minute walk north of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Hirano Shrine is famous for its cherry blossoms. Approximately 400 cherry trees of about 60 varieties are planted there, allowing visitors to enjoy the blossoms for an extended period, from early-blooming to late-blooming varieties.
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Rokuon-ji Temple)
Located about 2km west of Saiho-niji Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple is one of Kyoto’s most representative tourist attractions. The reliquary hall, covered in gold leaf, is breathtakingly beautiful and is registered as a World Heritage Site.
About Shinsei Shonin and the Tendai Shinsei Sect
The Life and Teachings of Shinsei Shonin
Shinsei Shonin (1443-1495) was a Tendai Buddhist monk who was active in the late Muromachi period. Born in Omi Province (present-day Shiga Prefecture), Shinsei Shonin studied Tendai Buddhism at Mount Hiei and later developed his own unique teachings emphasizing chanting the Buddha’s name and adherence to precepts.
The characteristics of Shinsei Shonin’s teachings are as follows:
- Continuous Chanting of the Buddha’s Name: Emphasis on the continuous chanting of the Buddha’s name.
- Strict Observance of Precepts: Advocating strict adherence to the precepts of monks.
- Preaching to the Common People: Focusing on spreading the teachings not only to the nobility but also to commoners.
- Salvation of Women: Teaching that women, too, are equally eligible for salvation.
Shinsei Shonin founded many temples throughout his life, and in particular established numerous training centers for women. Saiho-niji Temple is one such example, and can be considered a temple that embodies Shinsei Shonin’s philosophy of women’s salvation.
Characteristics of the Tendai Shinsei Sect
The Tendai Shinsei Sect is a sect that inherits the teachings of Shinsei Shonin, with Saikyo-ji Temple in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, as its head temple. While a branch of the Tendai sect, it is characterized by its particular emphasis on the Nembutsu (recitation of Amida Buddha’s name).
Its head temple, Saikyoji, is also known as a temple associated with Akechi Mitsuhide and continues to carry on the legacy of Shinsei Shonin. The 25 sacred sites of Shinsei Shonin, including Saiho-niji Temple, are a pilgrimage route visiting temples associated with Shinsei Shonin, and pilgrimages continue to this day by devout believers.
History and Culture of Kamishichiken
Kamishichiken, where Saiho-niji Temple is located, is one of Kyoto’s five geisha districts and the oldest. It developed as a temple town for Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and teahouses already lined the streets during the Muromachi period.
The name “Kamishichiken” is said to originate from the fact that seven teahouses were built using leftover timber during the reconstruction of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. These seven teahouses developed into the present-day geisha district.
The geiko and maiko of Kamishichiken carry on the tradition of Kyoto dance, showcasing their splendid performances at the “Kitano Odori” dance festival held every spring. Within this region, where such traditional culture thrives, Seihōji Temple quietly continues to provide a place of worship.
Seihōji Temple and Kyoto’s Nunnery Culture
Kyoto is home to many nunneries, including Seihōji Temple. Nunneries are places where women renounce worldly life and practice Buddhism, and they have played a significant role in the history of Japanese Buddhism.
Major Nunneries in Kyoto
- Hōkyōji (Ningyo-dera): A nunnery where an imperial princess served as abbot.
- Reikanji (Tani no Gosho): A nunnery known for its camellias.
- Donkain: A Rinzai Zen nunnery.
- Danrinji: A nunnery associated with Ono no Komachi.
Nishihōji Nunnery belongs to a unique sect called Tendai Shinsei-shū among these nunneries, and is a valuable institution that continues to pass down the teachings of Shinsei Shōnin.
Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Saiho-niji Temple
Half-Day Course Around Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
- Visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (1 hour): Pay respects to the god of learning and stroll through the grounds.
- Saiho-niji Temple (15 minutes): Admire the exterior and offer quiet prayers.
- Stroll Through Kamishichiken (30 minutes): Enjoy a stroll while appreciating the atmosphere of the geisha district.
- Lunch at a Teahouse in Kamishichiken (1 hour): Savor traditional Kyoto cuisine.
- Visit Hirano Shrine (30 minutes): Especially recommended during cherry blossom season.
Kyoto Western Temple Tour Course
- Kinkaku-ji Temple (1 hour)
- Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (1 hour)
- Saiho-niji Temple (15 minutes)
- Daitoku-ji Temple (1.5 hours): Experience the elegance of a Zen temple.
- Imamiya Shrine (30 minutes): Famous for its aburi mochi (grilled rice cakes)
Summary: The Charm of Seihōji Temple
Seihōji Temple is a Tendai Shinsei sect nunnery located in Kamishichiken, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City. Founded by Shinsei Shonin during the Bunmei era, it moved to its current location during the Eishō era and has since served as a training ground for nuns for over 500 years.
It houses valuable cultural assets, including the Amida Buddha statue affectionately known as the “Seated Buddha,” and the important cultural property, the silk painting of the Kannon Sutra Mandala, and is also known as the “Tea Temple.” Located just east of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, in Kamishichiken, Kyoto’s oldest geisha district, it forms a Kyoto-esque landscape where traditional and Buddhist cultures coexist.
Although the temple is usually closed to the public, even just viewing its exterior allows one to feel its tranquil atmosphere and the weight of its history. Why not visit this temple in conjunction with a visit to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and experience the charm of Kamishichiken while immersing yourself in Kyoto’s profound history and culture?
Nishihoji Temple is a precious spot where you can experience a quiet place of faith in Kyoto, quite different from the glamorous tourist areas. Please do visit this temple, which continues to convey the teachings of Shinsei Shonin and the traditions of a nunnery.
