A Simple Shoin Rebuilt by Takuan

The Daisenin Temple Shoin (大仙院書院) is the shoin of Daisenin, a sub-temple of Daitokuji in Murasakino, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, rebuilt in 1614, which in 1962 was designated an Important Cultural Property.

The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a single-storey hip-and-gable building 9.9 by 7.2 metres with a copper roof.

The Agency notes that Takuan rebuilt it in 1614.

The Building

According to the Agency, it is a hip-and-gable building 9.9 by 7.2 metres with a copper roof.

The temple calls the shoin Shuunken.

What to Look For

The Agency describes it as one of the simplest in design among the shoin of Daitokuji's sub-temples.

The temple relates that the seventh abbot, Takuan Soho, who protested to the shogunate in the Purple Robe Incident, is said to have taught the secrets of the sword to Miyamoto Musashi in this room.

Visiting the Daisenin Temple Shoin

The temple is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The temple's history and visiting information are on the Daisenin group page.

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Q&A

QWhen was the shoin designated?
AOn 21 June 1962.
QWho rebuilt it?
ATakuan, in 1614.
QWhat is it called?
AShuunken, according to the temple.
QWhat is distinctive about it?
AOne of the simplest shoin among Daitokuji's sub-temples.
QWhat story is told of it?
AThat Takuan taught Miyamoto Musashi the secrets of the sword here.

Basic Information

NameDaisenin Temple Shoin (大仙院書院)
Location54-1 Murasakino Daitokuji-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
DesignationImportant Cultural Property (building)
Year DesignatedDesignated 1962/6/21 (Showa 37)
Quantity1 building
Dimensions9.9 by 7.2 metres, single storey, hip-and-gable, copper roof
OwnerDaisenin
Public Access9:00 to 16:30, every day

References

Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Daisenin Shoin (Japanese)
https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/1595
Daisenin: About Daisenin (Japanese)
https://daisen-in.net/about-daisenin/

Last verified: 2026.09.29