Komyo-in (Tofuku-ji)（光明院）
A Hidden Zen Gem with Shigemori’s Masterpiece Garden Kōmyō-in, a peaceful sub-temple of Tōfuku-ji in Kyoto, was founded in 1391 during the Muromachi period by Kinzan Myōshō, a respected Rinzai Zen monk. Although some temple buildings were destroyed during the anti-Buddhist movement in the Meiji era, the temple was restored by 1911. In 1939, the […]
Adachi Museum of Art (足立美術館)
Where Japanese Gardens and Art Meet Adachi Museum of Art in Shimane Prefecture was founded in 1980 by Adachi Zenko, a local textile wholesaler with a deep passion for Japanese paintings and gardens. At the age of 71, he established the museum to share his art collection and his love for gardens with the public. […]
Zuiho-in (Daitoku-ji)（瑞峯院）
A Zen Garden Rooted in Christian History Zuihō-in, part of the Daitoku-ji temple complex in Kyoto, stands out not only for its striking gardens but also for its unusual origins. It was founded in 1546 by Ōtomo Sōrin, a powerful Christian daimyo, as his family temple. Remarkably, Zuihō-in still preserves its original architecture, having survived […]
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, […]
Meigetsu-in（明月院）
Kamakura’s Hydrangea Temple with Zen Roots Meigetsu-in（明月院）is a Zen temple in Kita-Kamakura, best known for its vibrant hydrangea blossoms (ajisai) that draw thousands of visitors every June. The vivid blue flowers fill the temple grounds during the rainy season, earning it the popular nickname Ajisai-dera (Hydrangea Temple). Founded in 1383 during the Muromachi period by […]
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 […]
Shisen-do（詩仙堂）
A Poet’s Retreat in the Hills of Kyoto Shisen-dō (詩仙堂), nestled in the northern hills of Kyoto, offers a peaceful escape shaped by poetry and nature. Built in 1641 as a retirement villa by Ishikawa Jōzan—a poet, calligrapher, and former samurai—this site later became a Sōtō Zen temple. Today, it remains a beloved destination for […]
Ryogin-an (Tofuku-ji)（龍吟庵）
Where Modern Zen Gardens Meet Ancient Tradition Located within the Tōfuku-ji temple complex in Kyoto, Ryōgin-an (龍吟庵) offers a unique blend of ancient architecture and modern garden design. Therefore, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the evolution of Japanese Zen aesthetics. Ryōgin-an began as the residence of the third head priest of Tōfuku-ji, who […]
Nanzen-ji（南禅寺）
Kyoto’s Grand Zen Temple at the Foot of Higashiyama Nanzen-ji is one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples. Located at the base of the eastern mountains (Higashiyama), this majestic temple complex blends nature, history, and art into one peaceful experience. It’s especially known for its calm atmosphere and the beauty of its traditional Japanese gardens. […]