Shodenji Temple: Kyoto's Best Kept Secret

One of Shodenji Temple’s most unique and features is its “bloody ceiling”, made from floorboards salvaged after the Siege of Fushimi Castle in 1600. During this pivotal conflict, Torii Mototada, a loyal retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu, led a small garrison in a heroic last stand against overwhelming enemy forces. Refusing to surrender, Mototada and his men fought to the end, and many took their own lives inside the castle.

To honor their sacrifice, the blood-stained floorboards were later repurposed as ceilings in temples across Kyoto, including Shodenji. If you look closely, you can still see handprints, footprints, and smudges, preserved as a solemn tribute to the fallen warriors. Standing beneath these boards is a powerful and reflective experience—one that connects visitors to a dramatic turning point in Japanese history.

👉 Check out another Genko-an Temple, which also has a ceiling of blood

By Public Transport:

• From Kitaoji Station:
  • Take the number 37 City Bus bus to Jinkoin-mae Bus Station.
  • Walk for 10 minutes (550 meters) to the temple.

On Foot:

• For a more scenic route, enjoy a one-hour walk from Kitaoji Station, passing through quiet residential streets and forested paths.

Though small in scale, Shodenji Temple embodies the essence of Zen Buddhist simplicity. The main pavilion, with its tatami floors and minimalist design, invites visitors to slow down and appreciate the beauty of stillness.

Inside, you’ll find a large Buddha painting and intricately written sutras—so fine that they require a magnifying glass to read. The temple’s bamboo grove and adjacent graveyard add to its quiet charm, offering a peaceful space for contemplation.

Unlike traditional Zen rock gardens, Shodenji’s dry garden features trimmed azaleas growing from a white gravel base. The plants are arranged in the shichi-go-san (7-5-3) configuration, a Taoist-inspired pattern symbolizing balance and harmony.

Known as the “Delivery of Lion Cubs Crossing the River Garden”, this karesansui (dry landscape garden) is a visual metaphor for a lioness guiding her cubs—an image that encourages introspection and meditation.

In a city overflowing with famous temples, Shodenji remains a quiet sanctuary for those seeking a deeper, more personal experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply in search of a peaceful retreat, this hidden gem offers a rare glimpse into Kyoto’s spiritual and historical heart.

If you're planning a trip to Kyoto, i highly recommend that you check out this temple!