Head temple of the Rinzai sect Myoshin-ji Temple,
DISCOVER,
REFLECT,
AND CONNECT MORE DEEPLY
Daiou-in is a Zen Buddhist temple situated in the Ukyo Ward of Kyoto City.
Founded in 1603, it has preserved the Zen teachings of Myoshin-ji Temple for over 420 years.
Its buildings are designated as cultural properties by Kyoto Prefecture.
Zen Buddhism is a school that centers its teachings on attaining enlightenment through zazen, the practice of seated meditation.
Rinzai Zen is considered one of the three major schools of Zen in Japan, and the Rinzai Myoshin-ji school is particularly known for its emphasis on rigorous practice.
Next Public Opening
2025/5/30 FRI - 2025/6/15 SUN
9:30-16:00 (last admission)
Daiou-in holds special viewings twice a year. During these periods, visitors can come without a reservation.
Entrance Fee : 1,000 yen
Fusuma Paintings
Revived in Modern Times
The Meiji Palace, once the residence of the Meiji Imperial family, featured a large hall called 'Chigusa-no-ma,' which housed a major work, the 'Circular Flower Ceiling,' by renowned lacquer painter and print artist Shibata Zeshin.
The hall was destroyed in the war, and today, only Zeshin's original sketches remain.Based on these sketches, Yasukawa Nyofu, the only ‘miyaeshi’ (artist specializing in the restoration and decoration of Buddhist temples and shrines) in Japan today, completed the beautiful 'Circular Flower Motifs' as fusuma sliding door paintings for Daiou-in in 2020.The flower motifs, created with the distinctive sensitivity of the Japanese, are both traditional and delicate, featuring soft colors and subtle, playful details hidden throughout the design.
ZEN Experience
The head priest will personally guide you through the temple and invite you to a special experience.
In this fully reservation-based visit, you can spend time in a tranquil space, immersed in history and the teachings of Zen. Applications can be made through the following link to 'Wabunka.’
*Please note that reservations are expected to open around the end of April.
GOSHUIN Stamps
‘Goshuin’ temple stamps can be obtained by reservation for visitors joining tours or experiences. All calligraphy at our temple is handwritten by the head priest. With a deep respect for the connections we share, each stroke is filled with care and meaning.
*There are limited slots available for reservations.
How to Visit
Daiou-in is situated in the northern part of the Myoshin-ji temple compound in Hanazono, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City.
The main temple is generally not open to the public.
However, it can be visited during the special viewing periods in spring and autumn (no reservation required), or by making a reservation for an experience (reservation required by the day before).
Access
52 Hanazonomyoshinjicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8035, Japan
・10 minutes walk from JR “Hanazono Station”
・8 minutes walk from Randen “Myoshinji Station”
・5 minutes walk from City Bus Route 26 “Myoshin-ji Kitamon-mae”