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.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Kyoto
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Daisenin Temple Shoin
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Q&A
- When was the shoin designated?
- On 21 June 1962.
- Who rebuilt it?
- Takuan, in 1614.
- What is it called?
- Shuunken, according to the temple.
- What is distinctive about it?
- One of the simplest shoin among Daitokuji's sub-temples.
- What story is told of it?
- That Takuan taught Miyamoto Musashi the secrets of the sword here.
Basic Information
| Name | Daisenin Temple Shoin (大仙院書院) |
|---|---|
| Location | 54-1 Murasakino Daitokuji-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (building) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1962/6/21 (Showa 37) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | 9.9 by 7.2 metres, single storey, hip-and-gable, copper roof |
| Owner | Daisenin |
| Public Access | 9:00 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
