You see it there, just across the street, a simple structure with a weathered wooden gate. This is the Risho-in Temple, a place that holds centuries of history within its walls. It’s a humble building, but it’s one of the five sub-temples of Kennin-ji, a renowned Zen temple in Kyoto’s Gion district. It’s a beautiful temple that’s not the biggest nor the most magnificent in Kyoto, but it offers a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle.
The Risho-in is named after a powerful figure, Taira no Kiyomori, also known as Taira no Masamori, who established it during the Heian period. He was the first lord of the Taira clan, a dynasty that rose to prominence in Japanese history. He was responsible for a momentous event in Japanese history: The establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, the first of the three feudal governments of Japan. He also established the samurai class.
The temple has undergone a lot of changes since then. One of the most intriguing periods in its history happened in the Muromachi period, when the temple’s main line of succession fell to the Otani branch of the Jodo Shinshu school. This school is also known as True Pure Land Buddhism, and they played a major role in the development of Zen practices.
There is a distinct sense of peace and tranquility when you step through the gate of this temple. It’s a small temple, but its quietness is a welcome respite from the city outside. The temple is not a place of grand displays but a place of quiet contemplation and a chance to connect with your inner spirit.