Ryoan-ji（龍安寺）
Japan’s Iconic Zen Rock Garden of Mystery and Balance Ryōan-ji is perhaps Japan’s most famous rock garden. The site originally belonged to the Fujiwara clan during the Heian period (794–1185). In 1450, warlord Hosokawa Katsumoto purchased the estate and founded Ryōan-ji temple. After being destroyed in the Ōnin War, the temple was rebuilt by Katsumoto’s […]
Saiho-ji (Koke-dera)（西芳寺 (苔寺)）
Kyoto’s Legendary Moss Temple and Masterpiece of Zen Garden Design The garden of Saihō-ji is considered by many to be Kyoto’s most beautiful garden and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is especially famous for its lush moss garden, which has earned it the popular name Koke-dera (苔寺), or Moss Temple. In […]
Shoren-in（青蓮院）
A historic Tendai temple in Kyoto with two famous gardens and imperial heritage A Kyoto temple of imperial heritage and two historic gardens Shōren-in stands among the five Monzeki temples in Kyoto. These temples traditionally appoint head priests from the imperial family. It belongs to the Tendai sect, one of Japan’s oldest schools of Buddhism. […]
Funda-in (Tofuku-ji)（芬陀院 東福寺）
A Quiet Temple with a Garden by Sesshū Funda-in is a serene sub-temple of Tōfuku-ji in Kyoto, often missed by visitors heading to the main hall or better-known sub-temples. However, those who take the time to explore it are rewarded with historical depth and refined garden design. Founded in 1321 during the Kamakura period, Funda-in […]
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 […]
Toji-in（等持院）
A Hidden Temple with Ashikaga Legacy Tōji-in is a peaceful Zen temple tucked away in northern Kyoto. Unlike the city’s more famous sites, it remains largely untouched by tourist crowds. The temple was founded in 1341 by Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Muromachi period. He commissioned the renowned garden designer and Zen priest […]
Reiun-in (Tofuku-ji)（霊雲院 東福寺）
A Serene Zen Garden Revival at Tōfuku-ji Reiun-in, a tranquil sub-temple of Kyoto’s Tōfuku-ji complex, embodies the quiet beauty and meditative spirit of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Founded in 1526 during the Muromachi period, it offers a unique journey through time, architecture, and landscape design. The gardens, originally created in 1543, had once fallen into neglect. […]
Hogon-in (Tenryū-ji)（宝厳院）
Hidden Zen Garden in Arashiyama Hōgon-in（宝厳院）is a tranquil sub-temple of the famous Tenryū-ji temple in Kyoto’s scenic Arashiyama district. Originally built in 1461 in Kyoto’s Kamigyo Ward, the temple has a long and eventful history. It was first commissioned by Hosokawa Yoriyuki, who admired the Zen master Musō Soseki. Although Musō Soseki passed away before […]
Tenryu-ji（天龍寺）
Discover an UNESCO World Heritage Temple in Kyoto Tenryū-ji is one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples. It sits in the scenic Arashiyama district, surrounded by natural beauty. Shogun Ashikaga Takauji founded the temple in 1339 to honor Gautama Buddha. Musō Soseki, a respected Zen master, became its first head priest. Construction finished in 1345. […]