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. […]
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 […]
The Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)（金閣寺 鹿苑寺）
Kyoto’s Iconic Golden Pavilion and Muromachi Garden Masterpiece Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺), formally known as Rokuon-ji (鹿苑寺), is one of the most famous temples in Japan and a defining symbol of Kyoto’s cultural heritage. The sight of the golden pavilion shimmering above the mirror pond, framed by pine trees and stone islands, creates an image so striking […]
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 […]
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 […]
Ryogen-in (Daitoku-ji)（大徳寺龍源院）
A Hidden Gem of Zen Simplicity in Kyoto Tucked away within the famous Daitoku-ji temple complex in Kyoto, Ryogen-in (龍源院) is one of its twenty-two sub-temples. Despite its modest size, it boasts several fascinating “firsts” and “oldests,” making it a must-see for fans of Zen gardens, architecture, and Japanese history. Founded in 1502 by the […]
Konchi-in（金地院 南禅寺）
Kyoto’s Zen Garden Framed Like a Painting Konchi-in（金地院）is a sub-temple of the larger Nanzen-ji temple complex in Kyoto. Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimochi founded the temple in the early 15th century. Later, in 1605, the temple was relocated from northern Kyoto to its current location within Nanzen-ji. Not long after, between 1611 and 1632, the garden was […]
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. […]