Shōryū-ji

Shōryū-ji (勝龍寺) is a Buddhist temple located in Nagaokakyō, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It is affiliated with the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism.

Founded in 645 by the monk Kubutsu Daishi at the request of Emperor Kōtoku, Shōryū-ji is said to be one of the oldest temples in the region. Legend states that the temple was built to pray for the safety of the construction of the nearby Nagaoka-kyō, the short-lived capital of Japan before Kyoto.

The temple is known for its association with Hosokawa Gracia, a prominent figure of the Sengoku period. She was confined at Shōryū-ji Castle (勝竜寺城), located adjacent to the temple grounds, after her father, Akechi Mitsuhide, assassinated Oda Nobunaga. Her tragic story and devotion to Christianity have made the temple a place of interest for those interested in Japanese history and religious studies.

Shōryū-ji's main hall houses a principal image of an eleven-faced Kannon (Ekādaśamukha). The temple grounds also feature a pagoda, a bell tower, and various other structures. While not a major tourist destination compared to some of Kyoto's more famous temples, Shōryū-ji offers a tranquil atmosphere and a glimpse into Japanese Buddhist history and local legends.