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 destructive fires that swept through many other temples after the Ōnin War (1467–1477).
In 1961, renowned modern garden designer Shigemori Mirei created a series of gardens here that subtly reflect the temple’s Christian background. He included a Garden of the Cross and even a statue of the Virgin Mary, making Zuihō-in one of the rare Zen temples in Japan to incorporate Christian symbolism.
The main garden, located south of the Hōjō (abbot’s quarters), is called Dokuza-tei (独坐庭), or “Alone-Sitting Garden.” Inspired by Taoist mythology, it represents a legendary island landscape: the Horai-zan (Mountain of the Blessed) sits in the far right corner, while a narrow peninsula stretches out from it into a sea of raked gravel. Beyond lies a solitary island, evoking spiritual solitude amid the vastness of nature. This metaphor-rich design invites quiet reflection and is easily appreciated even by first-time visitors.
Zuihō-in blends Zen tradition, Christian legacy, and modern design, making it a powerful example of how different cultural layers can coexist in one space.
Read more in our eBook!
Zuihō-in (Daitoku-ji) Garden Guide
This eBook explores Zuihō-in garden in Kyoto, where Zen minimalism meets Christian symbolism through the work of designer Shigemori Mirei.
Ideal for garden lovers, cultural historians, and fans of Japanese religious history.
Learn more before your visit—or revisit from home.
Read more in our Blog:
Gallery
Directions
How to get to the garden
Bus: Take the bus 205 or 206 and get off at the stop ‘Daitoku-ji’.
Subway: Take the Karasuma line to Kitaō-ji station and walk about 15 minutes in a westward direction.
Address
- EN: 〒603-8231, Kyoto-Shi, Kita-Ku, Murasakino, 53 Daitoku-ji-Chō
- JP: 〒603-8231, 京都市 北区 紫野 大徳寺町53
Opening times
- 9:00 – 17:00
Admission fee
- Adults: 400 yen
- Elementary and Junior High School Students: 300 yen
- Tea: 400 yen
Facilities & Accessibility
- You can get a goshuin temple seal
- It is possible to get a tea in a simple temple building (no view on the garden).
- The temple is not barrier-free.
Best time to visit
- In late April - early May when the moss is beautiful.
- The whole year except August for the dry landscape garden.
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