Banshoin Temple Historic site

Shuri Station area

A Rinzai Zen temple of the Myoshinji branch, said to have been founded in 1613, established as a retirement temple for the head priest of Enkakuji, once the foremost temple of the Ryukyu royal family. It offers a way to feel a living connection to Enkakuji's Zen lineage. Open sitting-meditation sessions and dharma talks welcome the public, making it a rare place to encounter “Zen in Shuri” beyond the usual sightseeing. It stands quietly in the residential neighborhood of Tonokura, about 8 minutes on foot from Shuri Station.

Essentials

Type	Historic site
Area	Shuri Station area
Address	沖縄県那覇市首里当蔵町3-4-1
From Shurijo Castle	7 min on foot
Time needed	About 20 min
Admission	Free to visit
Hours	9:00–17:30
Closed	None (check for event days)
Official site	Visit official site

Getting there & parking

Parking	Checking
Rainy-day suitability	Partly indoor — OK in light rain
Good for families	Manageable with some care

About 8 minutes on foot from Shuri Station (Yui Rail), about 7 minutes from Shuri Castle

⚠ Etiquette: This is a place of worship. Please visit quietly and avoid disrupting sitting-meditation sessions or services.

Note: Check the official site for dates and how to join sitting-meditation and dharma-talk sessions.

Map

This page covers the essentials. For the full Japanese-language guide (history, sightseeing tips, nearby spots), see the Japanese version.