Shorin-in
勝林院
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Cradle of Buddhist Chant
Shorin-in is a historic shrine and temple in Ohara, Kyoto. Travel through its seasons and highlights across 1 on-location videos before you visit.
Shorin-in stands at the head of Ohara's temple lane as the founding hall of shomyo, the ritual Buddhist chant of the Tendai school. Founded in 1013, it became famous for the 'Ohara Debate' of 1186, in which the priest Honen argued the Pure Land teachings. Its broad main hall, fronted by a stone bridge and pond, enshrines a large Amida Buddha and exudes the calm authority of a place where sacred music and doctrine took root.
History & Culture
Home of Shomyo
Founded as a centre for the practice and transmission of shomyo chant, Shorin-in shaped the sacred soundscape of Tendai Buddhism in Ohara.
The Ohara Debate
In 1186 Honen, founder of the Pure Land school, debated Buddhist doctrine here with leading monks—an event remembered as one of the great religious dialogues of medieval Japan.
Ohara, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Kyoto Bus #17 from Kyoto Stn to Ohara
9:00–16:30
¥300
Hours and fees are a guide and may change — please check official information before your visit.
