Shoren Shogunzuka Seiryuden Viewpoint Southern Higashiyama

For an incredible view of Kyoto, head up to the Shoren-in Shogunzuka Seiryuden viewpoint. This new viewpoint offers a commanding view over the whole city.

[The view over Kyoto from the Seiryuden viewpoint — image © Jeffrey Friedl]

Completed in 2015, this new viewpoint offers one of the best views over the city (rivaled only by the view from Mt. Daimonji). This viewpoint is actually a subtemple of Shoren-in Temple, which sits at the base of the mountain, far below this viewpoint.

The best way to get here is to walk. See my Shogunzuka and Seiryuden Hike page for full details on the hiking route that leads here. Otherwise, you can take the Tozai subway line to Keage Station and take a taxi here (about 5 minutes and ¥1,000). There’s also a bus on weekends and holidays. For details, see the Shoren-in Shogunzuka Seiryuden Access page.

The main wooden viewing platform offers an eye-popping view over the entire basin of Kyoto. To your north, you can easily make out the side of Mt. Daimonji and Mt. Hiei and then over to the whole Kitayama Range and over to Arashiyama, on the west side of the city.

In addition to the viewing platform, there’s a peaceful Buddhist prayer hall and a small garden. You can also climb to an older and higher metal viewing platform, which gives a slightly better view over to Yamashina, to the east.

Shogun-zuka Viewpoint (new subtemple of Shoren-in)

English address: 28 Zushioku-Kacho-cho, Yamashina-ku

Japanese address: 山科区厨子奥花鳥町28

Opening hours: 9am-5pm

Admission: ¥500

Non-smoking area: Yes

Nearest Transport: 5min taxi from Keage Station, Tozai subway line

Telephone: 771-0390

Website: Shogunza

Where Is This Place Located?

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Near To Here:
Shoren-in Shogunzuka Seiryuden Viewpoint is located in Kyoto’s Southern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Southern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

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