Shōrenin Temple

Massive camphor trees over eight hundred years old stand at the entrance of Shōrenin Temple, marking the grounds as you approach from the street. This Tendai sect temple in the Higashiyama district holds the status of a monzeki temple, meaning it was historically led by members of the imperial family or high-ranking nobility. Founded in the twelfth century as a residence for the seventh son of Emperor Toba, it eventually became known as the Awata Palace after serving as a temporary home for the retired Empress Go-Sakuramachi following the great fire of seventeen eighty-eight.