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Honpo-ji’s main garden is called the Mitsudomoe no Niwa, or Garden of Three Tomoe, which are comma-shaped designs traditionally used in Japanese crests.  This garden was originally designed by Honami Koetsu, a famous calligrapher.   A dry karesansui garden, the Mitsudomoe no Niwa has a waterfall made of stones on one side, the movement of water illustrated by white streaks naturally present in the rocks.  A small pond in the middle of the garden is dedicated to lotuses, a flower long held sacred as a metaphor for Buddhism. Kyoto is home to several shrines and temples that, despite their treasures and natural beauty, remain somehow unknown to the average visitor.  Honpo-ji, a Nichiren sect temple in central Kyoto, is one of these hidden temples that is rarely visited by tourists.  It is, however, popular with locals during sakura season when it provides a quiet place to enjoy cherry blossoms without the usual crowds. Honpo-ji is also home to works by the famous 16th century Japanese artist Hasegawa Tohaku. Honpo-ji also has a tranquil garden which makes it the perfect choice for the discerning visitor looking to enjoy a temple in peace.

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Honpo-ji’s main garden is called the Mitsudomoe no Niwa, or Garden of Three Tomoe, which are comma-shaped designs traditionally used in Japanese crests.  This garden was originally designed by Honami Koetsu, a famous calligrapher.   A dry karesansui garden, the Mitsudomoe no Niwa has a waterfall made of stones on one side, the movement of water illustrated by white streaks naturally present in the rocks.  A small pond in the middle of the garden is dedicated to lotuses, a flower long held sacred as a metaphor for Buddhism. Kyoto is home to several shrines and temples that, despite their treasures and natural beauty, remain somehow unknown to the average visitor.  Honpo-ji, a Nichiren sect temple in central Kyoto, is one of these hidden temples that is rarely visited by tourists.  It is, however, popular with locals during sakura season when it provides a quiet place to enjoy cherry blossoms without the usual crowds. Honpo-ji is also home to works by the famous 16th century Japanese artist Hasegawa Tohaku. Honpo-ji also has a tranquil garden which makes it the perfect choice for the discerning visitor looking to enjoy a temple in peace.