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 modern landscape master Shigemori Mirei designed the temple’s stunning dry landscape garden, called Hashin-tei (波心庭). The name means Garden of the Heart of the Wave, which refers to a Zen saying: If there are no clouds, the moon reflects clearly on the surface of the water. In the garden, three large stones represent the Buddha, surrounded by raked gravel that symbolises light radiating outward. Shigemori designed the garden to reflect the meaning of the temple’s name—Kōmyō, or “radiant light.”

The temple grounds also include a teahouse called Ragetsu-an, completed in 1956. Built in a modern Japanese style, it features circular windows and moon motifs. Visitors can enjoy the garden from the teahouse while reflecting in silence.

Unlike the nearby main hall of Tōfuku-ji, Kōmyō-in remains quiet even during peak seasons. Yet its garden changes dramatically with the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, green moss in summer, vivid maples in autumn, and soft snow in winter. Each visit offers a new scene and a moment of stillness.

Read more in our eBook!

eBook cover Komyo-in temple by Real Japanese Gardens

Kōmyō-in Garden Guide

This eBook introduces Kōmyō-in, a tranquil sub-temple of Tōfuku-ji in Kyoto. Renowned for Shigemori Mirei’s Hashin-tei garden, it offers a serene space reflecting Zen principles and seasonal beauty.
Perfect for Zen enthusiasts and visitors seeking a peaceful Kyoto experience.
Learn more before your visit—or revisit from home.

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  • Introduction to Tōfuku-ji temple
  • History
  • Shigemori Mirei
  • The Gardens of Kōmyō-in
  • Buildings
  • Photoguide
  • Around Kōmyō-in
  • Directions

14 informative pages, packed with
25 hand drawn illustrations and photographs of stone arrangements

PDF 10MB
The eBook is delivered as PDF.

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  • Komyo-in temple in Kyoto by Real Japanese Gardens
  • Komyo-in temple in Kyoto by Real Japanese Gardens
  • Komyo-in temple in Kyoto by Real Japanese Gardens
  • Komyo-in temple in Kyoto by Real Japanese Gardens

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    Directions

    How to get to the garden

    Take the Nara line from Kyoto station towards Nara. Get off at the first stop, Tōfuku-ji, and walk in southern direction until you get to Tōfuku-ji.

    View Google Map (Google Website)

    Address

    • EN: 15 Chome-809 Honmachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0981
    • JP: 京都市東山区本町15丁目809

    Opening times

    • ~7:00 – sunset

    Admission fee

    • 500 yen

    Facilities & Accessibility

    • Tea room open in autumn that overlooks the garden.
    • The temple is not barrier-free.

    Best time to visit

    • Mid April - May for azalea bloom.
    • End of November - Beginning of December for autumn foliage.

    Map

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