Shinshoji Temple

What to know

Shinshoji Temple (神勝寺, Shinshōji) is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple located about 15 kilometers southwest of central Fukuyama. Founded in 1965 by a local industrialist, the temple sits on expansive, forested grounds with a hill at the rear and a pond in front. A network of walking trails connects the various temple buildings scattered across the property.

The facilities at Shinshoji Temple are designed to offer visitors a Zen experience through diverse mediums, including tea houses, meditation classes, a museum gallery featuring works by Zen master Hakuin, and a striking contemporary art installation.

From the outside, Shinshoji Temple resembles a typical temple with its main front gate. However, the difference becomes clear once you step inside. You are greeted by the low sloping roof of the unique visitor center, which houses the ticket counter, a temple and museum shop, and a large pond. Nearby stands a 350-year-old building relocated from another temple in Shiga Prefecture, now repurposed as a teahouse, along with a bathhouse. Both the teahouse and bathhouse are open to visitors for an additional fee.

The main hall sits at the far end of the temple grounds beyond the pond on a hill. From the entrance gate, it takes about 15–20 minutes to reach it by walking past the pond and up a flight of stairs, or via a more scenic nature trail through the woods. The main hall houses a small museum showcasing works by Hakuin, a prominent Zen master. The scenic nature walk also passes two teahouses in the woods, where visitors can appreciate the designs and enjoy tea and sweets in an atmospheric setting.

Shinshoji Udon is the only item on the menu at the temple's restaurant. The noodles are longer and thicker than regular udon, meant to be dipped into a broth and accompanied by simple side dishes. The restaurant is located near the far end of the pond.

Kohtei is the eye-catching contemporary art installation on the hill across the road from the visitor center. It stands out from the rest of the temple buildings with its seemingly shimmering traditional wooden shingles arranged to resemble a floating ship. Inside, a light show over a small body of water is designed to be experienced with all five senses. The performance occurs every 30 minutes and lasts about 15 minutes. Note that the Kohtei performance is not suitable for those who are claustrophobic or have a fear of the dark.