The Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji)（銀閣寺 （慈照寺））
The Silver Pavilion and the Spirit of Wabi-Sabi in Kyoto Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺), also known as the Silver Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic Zen temples. Located on the city’s eastern hills, it was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the grandson of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who commissioned the famous Kinkaku-ji. While its golden counterpart shines with opulence, […]
Daisen-in (Daitoku-ji)（大徳寺、大仙院）
A Zen Garden Journey Through Life Do you want to experience Zen Buddhist philosophy firsthand and meet a Zen priest who might even make you laugh? Do you want to walk the same paths where key figures of Japanese history once lived and trained? Then Daitoku-ji and its sub-temple Daisen-in in northern Kyoto are the […]
Zuisen-ji (Flower Temple)（瑞泉寺 （花寺））
Kamakura’s Hidden Flower Temple in the Eastern Hills Zuisen-ji, also known as the Flower Temple, is a small temple tucked into the eastern mountains of Kamakura. Its nickname comes from the flower garden in front of the main hall, which many consider the most beautiful in Kamakura. The temple is a branch of Engaku-ji in […]
Kencho-ji（建長寺)
Japan’s Oldest Zen Monastery and a Garden of the Mind Kenchō-ji (建長寺) is the oldest Zen training monastery in Japan and holds the highest rank among the Kamakura Five-Mountain temples (五山). Completed in 1273 during the Kamakura period (1192–1333), it introduced formal Zen architecture and spiritual practice to Japan on a grand scale. The temple […]
Engaku-ji（円覚寺）
Engaku-ji – Kamakura’s Temple of Perfect Enlightenment Engaku-ji is the second most important Zen temple in Kamakura and one of the great temples of the Kamakura period. It lies just north of the city centre in Kita-Kamakura, where the train station now stands on what once was temple ground. The railway cuts off the entrance […]
Erin-ji（恵林寺）
Zen Gardens and Samurai History Erin-ji Temple in Yamanashi is a quiet yet historically significant Zen temple, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the mountains. It was founded in 1330, when Nikaidō Sadafuji, the military governor of Kai-no-kuni, invited the renowned Zen priest and garden designer Musō Soseki (夢窓 疎石), also known as Musō Kokushi, […]
Katsura Rikyu（桂離宮）
An Edo-Period Masterpiece of Architecture, Tea Culture, and Poetic Garden Design Katsura Rikyū (桂離宮), also known as Katsura Imperial Villa or Katsura Detached Palace, is one of Japan’s most important cultural treasures. Built in the early Edo period for Prince Toshihito, the garden reflects his refined literary taste and includes many references to the classic […]
Kyoto Gosho (Kyoto Imperial Palace)（京都御所）
From Ancient Seat to Serene Garden The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of Japan’s emperors for over a thousand years. From the Heian period (794–1185) until the end of the Edo period (1603–1868), this palace was the heart of the imperial court. However, after the Edo period ended, the Emperor (Tenno) and his court […]
Tofuku-ji – Garden of the Hojo（東福寺）
Discover the Temple and the Garden of the Hōjō Tōfuku-ji is one of Kyoto’s Five Great Zen Temples. Located in southern Kyoto, it is a large temple complex with 24 sub-temples. The temple has deep roots in Zen Buddhism and continues to attract visitors from all over the world. The temple was founded in 1236 […]
Shomyo-ji（称名寺）
A Pure Land Garden Temple in Yokohama Shōmyō-ji（称名寺） is a peaceful Buddhist temple located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. Founded during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), it originally served as the family temple of the powerful Hōjō clan, who ruled Japan as regents during this era. The temple’s full name is Kanazawayama Shōmyō-ji, and it […]