Shokokuji
Shokoku-ji temple is the second most important of the Gozan (top five Zen-Rinzaishu temples) in Kyoto.
The temple was founded by the appointed first Chief Abbot, Muso Kokushi,
as a center for the Zen Muso Sect. After receiving an imperial order from Emperor Gokomatsu (1377-1433),
the 3^rd generation shogun of the Ashikaga family,
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1408), completed the construction of the temple in 1392,
ten years later. The temple is also known as Mannenzan Sokoku Joutenzen-ji Although,
the temple almost completely burned down during the Onin Rebellion (1467),
Shokoku-ji continued to act as a focal for Zen producing many high level monks and contributing to the growth and influence of Zen culture during the Muromachi period (1336-1573).Later,
the temple came under the protection of the Toyotomi family. In 1605,
Toyotomi Hideyori built the Hatto building, which can still be seen today. In 1609,
Tokugawa Ieyasu contributed to the temple with the addition of the Sanmon (main gate).Moreover,
Emperor Gomizunoo (1596-1680) changed the old building of the temple into a memorial temple building for his son,
Prince Onhito. Other temple buildings were built as well, however,
most of the temple burned down due to a large fire in 1788,
leaving only the bathroom of the living quarters and the Totokyuin and Hatto buildings.In 1807,
Empress Kyoreimonin changed the old buildingl of the temple into a memorial temple for her husband,
Emperor Momozono (1741-1762). Hojo and Kuri buildings were also constructed for the daily usage of the priests living at the temple. At last,
the temple once again was just as magnificent as in the old days.Today,
the Shokoku-ji temple is the chief temple of the Zen-Rinzaishu Shokokuji Sect,
controlling more than 90 branch temples including both the famous Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji temples.
The Hatto building, which was built during the Momoyama period (1568-1598)
with Irimoya and Karayo style of construction,
is the oldest main temple building in existence in Japan.
The Buddha statue was created by Unkei (? - 1223) and the famous Howling Dragon of the ceiling was painted by Kano Mitsunobu (? - 1608)