SHOBOJI
正法寺
Shoboji 正法寺
ShoBoji is a Shingon sect Buddhist temple founded in the 8th century. Shoboji is home to a variety of treasures including an image of a thousand-armed Kannon with three faces and a garden filled with stones in the shape of birds and beasts collected from multiple prefectures across Japan. Visually striking in all seasons, Shoboji is a miniature paradise far from the busy tourist spots.
When first arriving to the temple one will notice a steep set of stairs that leads to a striking building. This is the Fudo-do Hall. On either sides of the stairs are the Nio Guardians which protect the temple from evil spirits.
The Fudo-do Hall is where one pays homage to Fudo Moo, revered as a protector from evil. Visitors pray here for safety and prosperity, recovery from illness, and protection from disasters.
The largest image in the main hall is Sanmen Senju Kannon, a rare image of a thousand-armed Kannon with three faces that was carved around 800 years ago. The two large faces on both sides of its main face represent how this Kannon can not only face the present, but also the past and the future.
The Hosho-en garden in front of the hall is a world of its own. With a view all the way out to the east side of Kyoto, it is one of the rare gardens where a “dry water” bed of raked sand is seen in the same space as a pond with flowing water. The shapes of the stones resemble various animals and birds, giving this its nickname of “The Rock Garden of Birds and Beasts”. 16 stones represent 15 different animals, and the helpful diagram on display help make sure you understand the scene completely.
One of our favorite times is late winter/ early spring when the plums blossoms are in bloom. The grove of plum trees here makes for a wonderful picnic spot. As the sakura soon follows in spring, the green of the moss and azaleas in summer, brightly colored maple leaves in autumn, and snow in winter, Shoboji is a place where one can profoundly enjoy all four seasons that Kyoto has to offer.