Experience the splendor of Zenrin-ji Temple's Important Cultural Properties, where profound history intertwines with the revered footsteps of Seizan Kokushi. Here is a selection of our treasured collection currently showcased in the Special Exhibition.
Portrait of Shoku Shonin (Contemplative Image) 〈Muromachi Period〉
The founder of the Seizan branch of the Jodo (Pure Land) sect. Depicted in a monk's hood with prayer beads, his posture evokes profound philosophical depth. Known as a contemplative image, it also resembles his peaceful final moments, praying toward the west while chanting the Nembutsu.
Portrait of Zendou Daishi (Contemplative Image) 〈Muromachi Period〉
A portrait of Zendou (Master Shandao), the Tang Dynasty perfecter of Pure Land Buddhism, featuring his characteristic faint beard stubble. The small Buddhas miraculously emerging from his mouth as he chants represent a famous miracle from his time at Guangming Temple.
Taima Mandala Engi (Origins of the Taima Mandala) 〈Kamakura Period, 1262〉
An original manuscript penned by Dokan Shoue (1195–1264), a senior disciple of Shoku Shonin. As one of his only two surviving written works, this text details the origins of the sacred woven Taima Mandala at Taima-dera Temple in Nara.
Jikkai-zu (Painting of the Ten Realms) 〈Kamakura Period〉
This pair of scrolls—centered on Amida Nyorai and Jizo Bosatsu—depicts the Ten Buddhist Realms. Over half the composition vividly illustrates the human realm and hell, reflecting the visions of salvation and damnation found in classic Buddhist texts like the Ojoyoshu.
Nijugo Bosatsu Raigo-zu (Descent of the Twenty-Five Bodhisattvas) 〈Kamakura Period〉
A painting depicting twenty-five bodhisattvas descending to welcome souls. Their unique, scattered arrangement across the canvas suggests this artwork originally served as a dynamic backdrop for a sculpted Amida Triad.
Access
Eikando Zenrin-jiGoogle Map
| JR/Kintetsu | From "Kyoto" Station, take City Bus No. 5 to "Nanzenji-Eikando-michi," then walk 3 minutes. |
|---|---|
| Keihan Railway |
From "Sanjo" Station, take City Bus No. 5 to "Nanzenji-Eikando-michi," then walk 3 minutes. From "Jingu-Marutamachi" Station, take City Bus No. 204 or No. 93 to "Higashi Tenno-cho," then walk 8 minutes. |
| Hankyu Railway | From "Kyoto Kawaramachi" Station, take City Bus No. 5 to "Nanzenji-Eikando-michi," then walk 3 minutes. |
| Subway | Take the Tozai Line, get off at "Keage" Station and walk 15 minutes. |
※Visitors are requested to bring a shoe bag. ※Please refrain from visiting by car.
Eikando Web site