Daishoji Temple
[HIGASHIJIN]
Daishoji Temple is a Rinzai Zen convent noted for its association with the imperial court. Located just north of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the temple was founded in the late fourteenth century and became a residence for imperial princesses who chose the life of a Buddhist nun.
The convent was established on the grounds of the Flower Palace (Hana no Gosho), the residence of the Ashikaga shoguns who ruled Japan until the late sixteenth century. It survived the fall of the shogunate, and women from the court continued to reside at the temple through the nineteenth century.
Daishoji remains an active convent and is closed to the public, with the exception of some special exhibitions. Most recently held in 2020, these events feature displays of the temple’s collection of dolls that used to belong to young princesses who entered the temple.