Sogenji Temple: A Serene Zen Retreat
Discover tranquility at Sogenji Temple in Okayama, a Zen retreat known for its serene gardens and international monastic community.
Sogenji Temple, nestled in Okayama, is a tranquil Zen temple founded in 1698. Known as the family temple of the Ikeda clan, it offers a serene escape with its beautifully maintained gardens, weeping cherry blossoms in spring, and vibrant autumn foliage. Uniquely, most of its monks, excluding the chief priest, are foreign, creating a global Zen community.
A brief summary to Sogenji
- 1069 Maruyama, Okayama, Maruyama, Naka Ward, Okayama, 703-8271, JP
- +8186-277-8226
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during the late March to early April to witness the beautiful weeping cherry blossoms in full bloom.
- Experience Zazen meditation on Sunday mornings from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. for a unique cultural immersion.
- Explore the Japanese garden to the east of Butsuden, which requires a small entry fee.
Getting There
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Bus
From JR Okayama Station, take a Ryobi bus bound for Saidaiji. Get off at the 'Sogenji' bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes and costs ¥340. From the bus stop, it is a 5-minute walk to the temple entrance.
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Taxi
Taxis are available from Okayama Station. The ride to Sogenji Temple takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is between ¥2,725 and ¥3,000. Taxi fares in Okayama start at ¥475, with an additional ¥450 per kilometer.
Discover more about Sogenji
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tsukimi Bridge
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AEON Mall Okayama
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Okayama Station
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Site of Bizen Provincial Temple
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Kibitsuhiko Shrine
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Bizen-Ichinomiya Station
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Inujima
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Machicado
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Bizen-yaki Pottery Workshop Mugen-an
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Bizen Potter's Organization
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Imbe Station
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BIZEN gallery Kai
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Tempo Kiln
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Amatsu Shrine
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TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL(高梁川トラベル)
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Foundation Stones of the Tenshukaku (Donjon)
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Ujo Park
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Okayama Castle
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Okayama Korakuen
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Tsukimi-yagura Turret
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Yumeji Art Museum
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Okayama Prefectural Museum
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Ishiyama Park
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Okayama Orient Museum
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Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art
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Nishigawa Green Road Park
4.6 km
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Utena Bar
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Shimoishii Park
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Kibiji Literary Museum
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Essential places to dine
Ichiran Okayama Shimonakano
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Ichitsubotei
14.3 km
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Matsumoto cafeteria
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Curry & Cafe Shibabe
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Okonomiyaki Yamane
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Futaba Shokudo
19.5 km
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Aruei
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Yayoda
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Ishii Shouten
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タコタコ
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Aisunao
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NaoPAM/ Shima-Shoku-Do Miyanda
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Omotecho Shopping Street
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Okayama Takashimaya
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HARD OFF
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Discount Drugstore Cosmos Kibitsu
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Super Drugstore Cosmos Bitchū Takamatsu
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UDO
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DAIKURA
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KIBIDO
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Hirakawa Shoji's Gallery
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Music BAR OMS
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WINE BAR MAGARRI
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Six
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Tiki Bar Head Hunter
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Bar Rudeboy
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Comptoir
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SKIPPER’S BEER PUB
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