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 originally served as a family temple for the influential Ichijō clan. Although a fire destroyed the buildings in 1691, the temple was rebuilt soon afterward, maintaining its status as an important cultural site.

Funda-in features two main gardens and a smaller one. The southern Zen garden was designed between 1460 and 1468 by the famous ink painter and Zen monk Sesshū Tōyō. This connection earned the temple its popular nickname, Sesshū-ji. Centuries later, in 1939, modern garden master Shigemori Mirei restored the main garden and added a subtle eastern garden, blending tradition with modern vision.

The temple offers an ideal escape from the crowds. Especially on weekdays, you may find yourself alone with the garden’s quiet beauty. Moss-covered stones, raked gravel, and simple architectural lines invite you to sit and reflect, just as monks and artists have done for generations.

Read more in our eBook!

eBook cover Funda-in Temple by Real Japanese Gardens

Funda-in Garden Guide

This eBook introduces Funda-in, a quiet sub-temple of Tōfuku-ji in Kyoto. Known as Sesshū-ji, it features gardens designed by Sesshū and later restored by Shigemori Mirei.
Perfect for Zen garden fans and visitors seeking peaceful corners of Kyoto.
Learn more before your visit—or revisit from home.

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  • Introduction
  • History of the temple and garden
  • The architecture of the temple building
  • The south garden
  • The east garden
  • Personal impressions by the author (See free preview)

 14 pages with
44 pictures of one of Kyoto’s most beautiful secret gardens

PDF 7MB
The eBook is delivered as PDF.

Gallery

  • Funda-in temple in Kyoto by Real Japanese Gardens
  • Funda-in temple in Kyoto by Real Japanese Gardens
  • Funda-in temple in Kyoto by Real Japanese Gardens
  • Funda-in temple in Kyoto by Real Japanese Gardens
  • Funda-in temple in Kyoto by Real Japanese Gardens
  • Funda-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. The temple is situated close to the Chumon gate of Tōfuku-ji.

    View Google Map (Google Website)

    Address

    • EN: 〒605-0981 Kyoto-fu, Kyoto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Honmachi 15-803
    • JP: 〒605-0981 京都府京都市東山区本町１５丁目８０３

    Opening times

    • 9:00 – 16:30 (last entry: 16:00)

    Admission fee

    • Adults: 500 yen
    • Children: 300 yen

    Facilities & Accessibility

    • Funda-in is associated with Sesshu, a famous painter. Funda-ins sliding door paintings are amazing.
    • The backyard garden was restored by Shigemori Mirei.
    • There is a round window with a scenic view on the garden.
    • The temple is not barrier-free.

    Best time to visit

    • The main garden is beautiful all year.
    • The backyard garden is beautiful from May to November when the moss is green.

    Map

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