reikan tera

Reikanji is a nunnery of the Rinzai sect Nanzenji branch, located in Shishigatani, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. The temple traces its origins to 1644, when Imperial Princess Soshin (daughter of the retired Emperor Gomizunoo) entered the nunnery, and the temple name Reikanji was formally established in 1654. Subsequently, five imperial princesses took residence here, and the temple became known as the Tani no Gosho (Valley Imperial Residence), maintaining deep ties with the imperial family. It is also widely known as the Tsubaki no Tera (Temple of Camellias) for its spectacular camellia blossoms in spring.