A Repository with a Revolving Sutra Case
The Chion-in Temple Sutra Repository (知恩院経蔵) is the early Edo sutra repository of Chion-in in Rinka-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, which in 1900 was designated an Important Cultural Property.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a single-storey pyramidal building three bays square with a pent roof and traditional tiles.
Chion-in notes that it stands east of the main hall (Miedo) and was built in 1621, the same year as the Sanmon gate.
Structure
According to the Agency, it is a pyramidal building three bays square with a pent roof.
Chion-in notes that its ceiling, columns and walls were decorated by painters of the Kano school.
What to Look For
Chion-in explains that it houses an octagonal revolving case holding about six thousand volumes of the Song edition of the Buddhist canon, donated by the second shogun, Tokugawa Hidetada.
Turning the case once is said to bring the same merit as reciting the whole canon.
Visiting the Chion-in Temple Sutra Repository
Chion-in notes that the interior is not open to the public.
The temple layout and visiting information are on the Chion-in group page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Kyoto
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Chion-in Temple Sutra Repository
- [ Kinkakuji Fushimi Inari & Kimono Rental ]
Q&A
- When was the repository built?
- In 1621, the same year as the Sanmon gate.
- What is inside?
- A revolving octagonal case with about 6,000 volumes of the Song canon.
- What does turning it do?
- It is said to bring the merit of reciting the whole canon.
- How is it decorated?
- By painters of the Kano school.
- Can I go inside?
- No; the interior is not open.
Basic Information
| Name | Chion-in Temple Sutra Repository (知恩院経蔵) |
|---|---|
| Location | Rinka-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (building) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1900/4/7 (Meiji 33) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Three by three bays, single storey with pent roof, pyramidal, tiled |
| Owner | Chion-in |
| Public Access | Interior closed |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Chion-in Sutra Repository (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/1772
- Chion-in: Sutra Repository (Japanese)
- https://www.chion-in.or.jp/highlight/building/kyozo.php
Last verified: 2026.09.29
