Shogoin Gotenso

⛩️Stay inside Shogoin, a former temporary imperial palace, and join morning prayers

Kyoto · Shogoin Gotenso

1

Lodging within Shogoin Monzeki

• ⛩️A corner of the grounds of Shogoin Monzeki, head temple of the Honzan Shugen sect founded in the Heian period, opened as lodging.
• 👑This prestigious monzeki temple was once home to emperors and members of the imperial family; the inn is to the left after the main gate.
• 📍It sits in a quiet residential area north of Heian Shrine and south of Kyoto University.

2

Traces of Emperor Kokaku

• 🏯When the Great Tenmei Fire of 1788 destroyed the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Shogoin became Emperor Kokaku's temporary palace.
• 🪵The 'one-night' study hall, hurriedly built as the emperor's private quarters, still stands in the inn's garden.
• 🍵A tea house used by Emperor Kokaku, presented by Lord Matsudaira of Kameyama Castle, can be used for tea gatherings.

3

Morning prayers for guests

• 📿Shogoin holds sutra-chanting morning prayers at 6:00 every day, and overnight guests can join for free.
• 🕠Gather in the lobby at 5:50; the roughly 1 hour 40 minute program continues with a look at the Shinden's painted screens and the one-night study hall.
• 📝Request it when booking; same-day sign-ups are not accepted.

4

Tatami rooms around the garden

• 🌳Rooms are arranged around a forest-like garden, so every room looks out on dappled greenery.
• 🛏️Choose a Japanese room in the main Gotenso building or in the newly built Kinrin Bettei annex, which overlooks the garden and tea house.
• 👨‍👩‍👧With many room sizes, it suits families and groups.

5

Four large baths

• 🛁There are four large baths for men and women, the biggest holding up to 40 people.
• 🌲At the back of the Kojun wing is a cypress bath for one or two people.
• 🦵Roomy tubs and washing areas let you stretch out after sightseeing.

6

Shirakawa footbath and cherry garden

• 🦶A footbath fed by spring water from Mt. Hiei is free to use while viewing the garden (7:00-21:00, towels provided).
• 🌸In spring the large cherry tree in the garden blooms, so you can enjoy hanami with your feet in the water.
• 🍂Trees and plants change with each season, giving a forest-bathing feel in the middle of the city.

7

Kyoto cuisine through the seasons

• 🎋Seasonal ingredients appear on the menu: bamboo shoots, firefly squid and icefish in spring; matsutake and chestnuts in autumn.
• 🧊Summer dishes are served in cool glassware.
• 🍲Winter brings the signature Shogoin nabe with Sea of Japan seafood and seasonal vegetables, as well as beef shabu-shabu.

8

Access

• 🚌From Kyoto Station, take a city bus to Kumano-jinja-mae and walk 4 minutes; about 35 minutes in total.
• 🚇Or take the Karasuma subway line to Marutamachi (about 7 minutes) and transfer to a city bus to Kumano-jinja-mae (about 8 minutes).
• 🚗By car it is about 5.5 km and 22 minutes from Kyoto Station; the lobby shop sells Kyoto souvenirs such as yatsuhashi.

3

Morning prayers for guests

• 📿Shogoin holds sutra-chanting morning prayers at 6:00 every day, and overnight guests can join for free.
• 🕠Gather in the lobby at 5:50; the roughly 1 hour 40 minute program continues with a look at the Shinden's painted screens and the one-night study hall.
• 📝Request it when booking; same-day sign-ups are not accepted.

4

Tatami rooms around the garden

• 🌳Rooms are arranged around a forest-like garden, so every room looks out on dappled greenery.
• 🛏️Choose a Japanese room in the main Gotenso building or in the newly built Kinrin Bettei annex, which overlooks the garden and tea house.
• 👨‍👩‍👧With many room sizes, it suits families and groups.

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A rare chance to stay within a temple that once served as an imperial palace, with morning prayers and historic buildings to explore. There is no hot spring, and it is a sizable property that also hosts school trips and groups.

#KyotoRyokan#Shogoin#TempleStay#Shukubo#MorningPrayers#KyotoFootbath#SakyoKyoto

* This introduction was compiled from information published by each property (official website and similar sources), so some details may differ from what you find on the day. It is AI-assisted and can contain errors — please check the official website and the details shown at booking before you reserve.

♨ Central Kyoto · 65 ryokan in this onsen town

From onsen etiquette to check-in — the things worth knowing first.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Shogoin Gotenso?

Check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.

Where is Shogoin Gotenso located?

It is in Kyoto. Address: 15 Nakamachi, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Free-cancellation deadlines vary by rate plan and are shown with each room. Cancelling before the deadline gives a full refund.