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  • Jiunji Temple Zen Garden - Jiunji Temple is blessed with a variety of growth: pine, cherry blossoms as well as a dry rock garden and moss which highlights each season. Gardeners are brought in from Kyoto to maintain the trees and the garden.  But besides all that, adjacent to the temple and garden is a huge pine tree that was planted in the 16th century by the zen monk Tenkei.  Jiunji is surrounded by gardens - not only one garden, but  an array of gardens, zen, moss and a pond garden behind the main hall.
    zen-jiunji-02.jpg
  • Jiunji Temple Zen Garden - Jiunji Temple is blessed with a variety of growth: pine, cherry blossoms as well as a dry rock garden and moss which highlights each season. Gardeners are brought in from Kyoto to maintain the trees and the garden.  But besides all that, adjacent to the temple and garden is a huge pine tree that was planted in the 16th century by the zen monk Tenkei.  Jiunji is surrounded by gardens - not only one garden, but  an array of gardens, zen, moss and a pond garden behind the main hall.
    zen-jiunji-01.jpg
  • Japanese Zen Monks at Daitokuji Temple.  The schools of Zen that currently exist in Japan are the Soto, Rinzai, and Obaku. Of these, Soto is the largest and Obaku the smallest. Rinzai is itself divided into several subschools based on temple affiliation, including Myoshin-ji, Nanzen-ji, Tenryu-ji, Daitoku-ji, and Tofuku-ji.  These monks are entering Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto.
    zen-monk-3.jpg
  • Hokokuji Zen Garden -  Hokoku-ji  is famous for its bamboo garden Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-zen-2.jpg
  • Hokokuji Zen Garden -  Hokoku-ji  is famous for its bamboo garden Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-zen-1.jpg
  • Hokokuji Zen Garden -  Hokoku-ji Kamakura is world famous for its bamboo garden containing more than 2000 Moso bamboos trees. Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  The bamboo garden is punctuated with stone lanterns, jizo and moss covered stones.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-zen-garden-6.jpg
  • Hokokuji Zen Garden -  Hokoku-ji Kamakura is world famous for its bamboo garden containing more than 2000 Moso bamboos trees. Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  The bamboo garden is punctuated with stone lanterns, jizo and moss covered stones.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-zen-garden--9.jpg
  • Hokokuji Zen Garden -  Hokoku-ji Kamakura is world famous for its bamboo garden containing more than 2000 Moso bamboos trees. Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  The bamboo garden is punctuated with stone lanterns, jizo and moss covered stones.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-zen-garden-5.jpg
  • Hokokuji Zen Garden -  Hokoku-ji Kamakura is world famous for its bamboo garden containing more than 2000 Moso bamboos trees. Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  The bamboo garden is punctuated with stone lanterns, jizo and moss covered stones.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-zen-garden-3.jpg
  • Hokokuji Zen Garden -  Hokoku-ji Kamakura is world famous for its bamboo garden containing more than 2000 Moso bamboos trees. Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  The bamboo garden is punctuated with stone lanterns, jizo and moss covered stones.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-zen-garden-2.jpg
  • Zen Garden at Hase-dera - Hase-dera officially named Kaiko-zan Jisho-in Hase-dera but commonly called Hase Kannon.  Hase-Dera has landscaped Japanese gardens, a giant prayer wheel, jizo caves, a bamboo grove, and a vegetarian restaurant up the hill with a bird-eye view of Kamakura and the Shonan Coast. Hase-dera is famous for its massive wooden statue of Kannon - a treasure of Japan.  Originally belonging to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Hase-dera became an independent temple of the Jodo sect of Zen Buddhism.
    hasedera-zen-5.jpg
  • Zen Garden at Hase-dera - Hase-dera officially named Kaiko-zan Jisho-in Hase-dera but commonly called Hase Kannon.  Hase-Dera has landscaped Japanese gardens, a giant prayer wheel, jizo caves, a bamboo grove, and a vegetarian restaurant up the hill with a bird-eye view of Kamakura and the Shonan Coast. Hase-dera is famous for its massive wooden statue of Kannon - a treasure of Japan.  Originally belonging to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Hase-dera became an independent temple of the Jodo sect of Zen Buddhism.
    hasedera-zen-2.jpg
  • Hokokuji Zen Garden -  Hokoku-ji Kamakura is world famous for its bamboo garden containing more than 2000 Moso bamboos trees. Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  The bamboo garden is punctuated with stone lanterns, jizo and moss covered stones.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-zen-garden-8.jpg
  • Hokokuji Zen Garden -  Hokoku-ji Kamakura is world famous for its bamboo garden containing more than 2000 Moso bamboos trees. Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  The bamboo garden is punctuated with stone lanterns, jizo and moss covered stones.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-zen-garden-7.jpg
  • Hokokuji Zen Garden -  Hokoku-ji Kamakura is world famous for its bamboo garden containing more than 2000 Moso bamboos trees. Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  The bamboo garden is punctuated with stone lanterns, jizo and moss covered stones.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-zen-garden-4.jpg
  • Hokokuji Zen Garden -  Hokoku-ji Kamakura is world famous for its bamboo garden containing more than 2000 Moso bamboos trees. Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  The bamboo garden is punctuated with stone lanterns, jizo and moss covered stones.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-zen-garden-1.jpg
  • Zen Garden at Hase-dera - Hase-dera officially named Kaiko-zan Jisho-in Hase-dera but commonly called Hase Kannon.  Hase-Dera has landscaped Japanese gardens, a giant prayer wheel, jizo caves, a bamboo grove, and a vegetarian restaurant up the hill with a bird-eye view of Kamakura and the Shonan Coast. Hase-dera is famous for its massive wooden statue of Kannon - a treasure of Japan.  Originally belonging to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Hase-dera became an independent temple of the Jodo sect of Zen Buddhism.
    hasedera-zen-3.jpg
  • Zen Garden at Hase-dera - Hase-dera officially named Kaiko-zan Jisho-in Hase-dera but commonly called Hase Kannon.  Hase-Dera has landscaped Japanese gardens, a giant prayer wheel, jizo caves, a bamboo grove, and a vegetarian restaurant up the hill with a bird-eye view of Kamakura and the Shonan Coast. Hase-dera is famous for its massive wooden statue of Kannon - a treasure of Japan.  Originally belonging to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Hase-dera became an independent temple of the Jodo sect of Zen Buddhism.
    hasedera-zen-1.jpg
  • Zen Garden at Hase-dera - Hase-dera officially named Kaiko-zan Jisho-in Hase-dera but commonly called Hase Kannon.  Hase-Dera has landscaped Japanese gardens, a giant prayer wheel, jizo caves, a bamboo grove, and a vegetarian restaurant up the hill with a bird-eye view of Kamakura and the Shonan Coast. Hase-dera is famous for its massive wooden statue of Kannon - a treasure of Japan.  Originally belonging to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, Hase-dera became an independent temple of the Jodo sect of Zen Buddhism.
    hasedera-zen-4.jpg
  • Zazen or Zen meditation is more than just quiet sitting.  It is worthwhile to take time to observe the world and yourself using your senses.  Zazen is meditation unique to Zen Buddhism and is at the heart of the practice.. Zazen means literally sitting meditation. This can be in the half lotus position or hankafuza by placing the left foot onto the right thigh and tucking the right leg under the left thigh.  The full lotus position or kekkafusa is done by putting each foot onto the opposite thigh which can be painful at first.  The Kneeling Position Seizai which is by kneeling with hips on your ankles.  These are classic positions but sitting in a chair or even standing is acceptable though it is essential to keep one’s back straight.  Hands are typically folded into the mudra position by putting palms of your hands up while holding your other hand also faced palm up.  Meditation really starts when your mind is cleared, and we think of nothing but our breath to be continued for at least fifteen minutes.
    zen-meditation-2.jpg
  • Zazen or Zen meditation is more than just quiet sitting.  It is worthwhile to take time to observe the world and yourself using your senses.  Zazen is meditation unique to Zen Buddhism and is at the heart of the practice.. Zazen means literally sitting meditation. This can be in the half lotus position or hankafuza by placing the left foot onto the right thigh and tucking the right leg under the left thigh.  The full lotus position or kekkafusa is done by putting each foot onto the opposite thigh which can be painful at first.  The Kneeling Position Seizai which is by kneeling with hips on your ankles.  These are classic positions but sitting in a chair or even standing is acceptable though it is essential to keep one’s back straight.  Hands are typically folded into the mudra position by putting palms of your hands up while holding your other hand also faced palm up.  Meditation really starts when your mind is cleared, and we think of nothing but our breath to be continued for at least fifteen minutes.
    zen-meditation-1.jpg
  • Modern Zen Facility
    modern-zen-2.jpg
  • Modern Zen park bench
    modern-zen-1.jpg
  • Modern Zen park bench
    modern-zen-3.jpg
  • Modern Zen Public Facilities
    public-zen-modern-4.jpg
  • Modern Zen Public Facilities
    public-zen-modern-1.jpg
  • Tonogayato Zen Garden - Tonogayato Garden is a landscape type garden in Kokubunji, Tokyo. It was built for the vice-president of Manchurian Railway. In 1929 the estate was bought by the founder of Mitsubishi and is now owned by Tokyo Metropolitan Parks who maintain it. There is a teahouse on the garden's grounds that can be rented for tea ceremony.
    tonogayato-zen-5.jpg
  • Modern Zen Public Facilities
    public-zen-modern-2.jpg
  • Tonogayato Zen Garden - Tonogayato Garden is a landscape type garden in Kokubunji, Tokyo. It was built for the vice-president of Manchurian Railway. In 1929 the estate was bought by the founder of Mitsubishi and is now owned by Tokyo Metropolitan Parks who maintain it. There is a teahouse on the garden's grounds that can be rented for tea ceremony.
    tonogayato-zen-3.jpg
  • Tonogayato Zen Garden - Tonogayato Garden is a landscape type garden in Kokubunji, Tokyo. It was built for the vice-president of Manchurian Railway. In 1929 the estate was bought by the founder of Mitsubishi and is now owned by Tokyo Metropolitan Parks who maintain it. There is a teahouse on the garden's grounds that can be rented for tea ceremony.
    tonogayato-zen-2.jpg
  • Modern Zen Public Facilities
    public-zen-modern-3.jpg
  • Daisen-in is a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, one of the five most important zen temples of Kyoto. The name means "The Academy of the Great Immortals." Daisen-in was founded by the Zen priest Kogaku Soko and was built between 1509 and 1513.  Daisen-in is noted for its karesansui, or zen garden.  The garden was created in the eary 16h century and is attributed to the monk painter Soami. The main garden, is in an L shape.  It contains a miniature landscape similar to a Song Dynasty landscape painting, composed of rocks suggesting mountains and a waterfall, clipped shrubs and trees representing a forest, and raked white gravel representing a river. IMAGE NOT AVAILABLE IN JAPAN
    daisen-in-garden-2.jpg
  • Jotenji Zen Garden - Joten-ji is a Rinzai temple in Hakata, Fukuoka, its construction was completed in 1242.  The grounds of Jotenji feature a Zen garden. The founding priest of the temple, Enni Benen went to China where he studied Zen Buddhism and came back to Japan in 1241.  Besides the teachings of Buddhism, he brought back to Japan a variety of cultural features from China including production methods of noodles.  Jotenji Temple is special because of its striking temple gate and and stone garden.   The gate has become the new symbol of Hakata.  The cry Zen karesansui garden was modeled from Kenninji Kyoto.
    Joten-ji-garden-2.jpg
  • Ryoanji or the Temple of the Dragon at Peace is a Zen temple in northwest Kyoto, Ryoanji belongs to the My shin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism. The garden is considered to be the finest examples of a karesansui, Japanese rock garden, or zen garden, in the world. The temple and gardens are listed as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    ryoanji-1.jpg
  • Ryoanji or the Temple of the Dragon at Peace is a Zen temple in northwest Kyoto, Ryoanji belongs to the My shin-ji school of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism. The garden is considered to be the finest examples of a karesansui, Japanese rock garden, or zen garden, in the world. The temple and gardens are listed as Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    ryoanji-2.jpg
  • Shozen-ji Temple in northern Kyoto sees few visitors though it is not far from mega famous crowd scene temples Kinkakuji and Genko-an.  In fact, they don’t even charge an admission fee.  Its modest garden and ancient tree make it a worthwhile stop, however.  Shozen-ji Temple’s small zen garden is a rare chance to enjoy the tranquility of a Japanese zen garden without all the crowds - they way they are supposed to be enjoyed, not as a tourist attraction but an integral part of a Zen Buddhist, Jodo Sect, temple in Kyoto.  Shozen-ji is known for its rhododendrons or tsutsuji but it is not so well known as to be mobbed with tourists to see them as other venues in town trump Shozenji in this department.
    shozenji-2.jpg
  • Shozen-ji Temple in northern Kyoto sees few visitors though it is not far from mega famous crowd scene temples Kinkakuji and Genko-an.  In fact, they don’t even charge an admission fee.  Its modest garden and ancient tree make it a worthwhile stop, however.  Shozen-ji Temple’s small zen garden is a rare chance to enjoy the tranquility of a Japanese zen garden without all the crowds - they way they are supposed to be enjoyed, not as a tourist attraction but an integral part of a Zen Buddhist, Jodo Sect, temple in Kyoto.  Shozen-ji is known for its rhododendrons or tsutsuji but it is not so well known as to be mobbed with tourists to see them as other venues in town trump Shozenji in this department.
    shozenji-1.jpg
  • Jomyoji Zen Garden - Jomyoji, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura, was founded by the influential Ashikaga clan.  Jomyo-ji’s main hall sits at the end of a garden and houses a statue of  Buddha. Jomyoji also has a restored tea house Kisen-an where visitors can enjoy the view of the zen karesansui garden.  For its role in Japanese history, Jomyo-ji is named a National Historical Site by the government of Japan.
    jomyoji-2.jpg
  • Jotenji Zen Garden - Joten-ji is a Rinzai temple in Hakata, Fukuoka, its construction was completed in 1242.  The grounds of Jotenji feature a Zen garden. The founding priest of the temple, Enni Benen went to China where he studied Zen Buddhism and came back to Japan in 1241.  Besides the teachings of Buddhism, he brought back to Japan a variety of cultural features from China including production methods of noodles.  Jotenji Temple is special because of its striking temple gate and and stone garden.   The gate has become the new symbol of Hakata.  The cry Zen karesansui garden was modeled from Kenninji Kyoto.
    Joten-ji-garden-4.jpg
  • Jotenji Zen Garden - Joten-ji is a Rinzai temple in Hakata, Fukuoka, its construction was completed in 1242.  The grounds of Jotenji feature a Zen garden. The founding priest of the temple, Enni Benen went to China where he studied Zen Buddhism and came back to Japan in 1241.  Besides the teachings of Buddhism, he brought back to Japan a variety of cultural features from China including production methods of noodles.  Jotenji Temple is special because of its striking temple gate and and stone garden.   The gate has become the new symbol of Hakata.  The cry Zen karesansui garden was modeled from Kenninji Kyoto.
    Joten-ji-garden-3.jpg
  • Shobo-ji  Zen Garden - Shobo-ji was established in 754 by a monk called Chii - a disciple of Ganjin, who built Toshidai-ji in Nara.  Like many temples in Kyoto, Shobo-ji was burned during the wars, then reconstructed in 1615. The temple has two interesting zen gardens, particularly the "Beasts and Birds Garden” named after the shape of some of its rocks. The temple grounds are elevated compared to the rest of the valley, which gives a view of the surrounding area wthat incorporates borrowed scenery such as the distant mountains into the overall garden design.  Shobo-ji pays particular attention to flowers; ikebana can be seen on the temple grounds and in the buildings. In addition, the tsukubai water basin is usually decorated with flowers as well.
    shobo-ji-10.jpg
  • Ryotanji Zen Garden - Ryotanji garden is from the Nara period, and its temple was founded in 733. The garden was created by Enshu Kobori and is located in the northern section of the temple and designated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty. The Shinji Ike pond garden was designed in the shape of the Chinese character kokoro or heart and the rock formations within the garden display characteristics of a Zen temple. The garden changes its expression during different seasons. The south garden is a more traditional dry zen garden composed of sand and stones.
    ryotanji-garden-10.jpg
  • Shozen-ji Temple in northern Kyoto sees few visitors though it is not far from mega famous crowd scene temples Kinkakuji and Genko-an.  In fact, they don’t even charge an admission fee.  Its modest garden and ancient tree make it a worthwhile stop, however.  Shozen-ji Temple’s small zen garden is a rare chance to enjoy the tranquility of a Japanese zen garden without all the crowds - they way they are supposed to be enjoyed, not as a tourist attraction but an integral part of a Zen Buddhist, Jodo Sect, temple in Kyoto.  Shozen-ji is known for its rhododendrons or tsutsuji but it is not so well known as to be mobbed with tourists to see them as other venues in town trump Shozenji in this department.
    shozenji-4.jpg
  • Jomyoji Zen Garden - Jomyoji, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura, was founded by the influential Ashikaga clan.  Jomyo-ji’s main hall sits at the end of a garden and houses a statue of  Buddha. Jomyoji also has a restored tea house Kisen-an where visitors can enjoy the view of the zen karesansui garden.  For its role in Japanese history, Jomyo-ji is named a National Historical Site by the government of Japan.
    jomyoji-10.jpg
  • Jotenji Zen Garden - Joten-ji is a Rinzai temple in Hakata, Fukuoka, its construction was completed in 1242.  The grounds of Jotenji feature a Zen garden. The founding priest of the temple, Enni Benen went to China where he studied Zen Buddhism and came back to Japan in 1241.  Besides the teachings of Buddhism, he brought back to Japan a variety of cultural features from China including production methods of noodles.  Jotenji Temple is special because of its striking temple gate and and stone garden.   The gate has become the new symbol of Hakata.  The cry Zen karesansui garden was modeled from Kenninji Kyoto.
    Joten-ji-garden-7.jpg
  • The Zen Garden at the San Francisco Golden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden was designed by Nago Sakurai, a leading Japanese landscape architect.  Dry landscape gardens, often called "zen gardens" were introduced into Japan originally from China during the Kamakura Period.  Japanese Zen monks, during studies in China, were impressed with landscape scrolls and rock work in Chinese gardens.  So when they returned to Japan they adapted them and created what we think of today as a "zen garden" or "dry landscape garden".  The sand, gravel, stones are meant ro symbolize mountains, hills, islands, rivers, oceans and ponds.
    golden-gate-tea-8.jpg
  • Rev Takafumi Kawakami is the vice-abbot at Shunkoin Temple and teaches classes about Zen culture and meditation and serves as a bridge between the Eastern and Western cultures. Here Rev Takafumi is raking the temple's Zen Garden. The Garden of Bolders, or Sazareishi-no-niwa, is the main garden of Shunkoin. The theme of the garden is the Great Shrine of Ise in Mie Prefecture. The Great Shrine of Ise is the head shrine of all Shinto shrines in Japan.
    japanese-gardener-2.jpg
  • Shobo-ji  Zen Garden - Shobo-ji was established in 754 by a monk called Chii - a disciple of Ganjin, who built Toshidai-ji in Nara.  Like many temples in Kyoto, Shobo-ji was burned during the wars, then reconstructed in 1615. The temple has two interesting zen gardens, particularly the "Beasts and Birds Garden” named after the shape of some of its rocks. The temple grounds are elevated compared to the rest of the valley, which gives a view of the surrounding area wthat incorporates borrowed scenery such as the distant mountains into the overall garden design.  Shobo-ji pays particular attention to flowers; ikebana can be seen on the temple grounds and in the buildings. In addition, the tsukubai water basin is usually decorated with flowers as well.
    shobo-ji-amber.jpg
  • Shobo-ji  Zen Garden - Shobo-ji was established in 754 by a monk called Chii - a disciple of Ganjin, who built Toshidai-ji in Nara.  Like many temples in Kyoto, Shobo-ji was burned during the wars, then reconstructed in 1615. The temple has two interesting zen gardens, particularly the "Beasts and Birds Garden” named after the shape of some of its rocks. The temple grounds are elevated compared to the rest of the valley, which gives a view of the surrounding area wthat incorporates borrowed scenery such as the distant mountains into the overall garden design.  Shobo-ji pays particular attention to flowers; ikebana can be seen on the temple grounds and in the buildings. In addition, the tsukubai water basin is usually decorated with flowers as well.
    shobo-ji-17.jpg
  • Shobo-ji  Zen Garden - Shobo-ji was established in 754 by a monk called Chii - a disciple of Ganjin, who built Toshidai-ji in Nara.  Like many temples in Kyoto, Shobo-ji was burned during the wars, then reconstructed in 1615. The temple has two interesting zen gardens, particularly the "Beasts and Birds Garden” named after the shape of some of its rocks. The temple grounds are elevated compared to the rest of the valley, which gives a view of the surrounding area wthat incorporates borrowed scenery such as the distant mountains into the overall garden design.  Shobo-ji pays particular attention to flowers; ikebana can be seen on the temple grounds and in the buildings. In addition, the tsukubai water basin is usually decorated with flowers as well.
    shobo-ji-04.jpg
  • Jiunji Temple Zen Garden - Jiunji Temple is blessed with a variety of growth: pine, cherry blossoms as well as a dry rock garden and moss which highlights each season. Gardeners are brought in from Kyoto to maintain the trees and the garden.  But besides all that, adjacent to the temple and garden is a huge pine tree that was planted in the 16th century by the zen monk Tenkei.  Jiunji is surrounded by gardens - not only one garden, but  an array of gardens, zen, moss and a pond garden behind the main hall.
    jiunji-6.jpg
  • Ryotanji Zen Garden - Ryotanji garden is from the Nara period, and its temple was founded in 733. The garden was created by Enshu Kobori and is located in the northern section of the temple and designated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty. The Shinji Ike pond garden was designed in the shape of the Chinese character kokoro or heart and the rock formations within the garden display characteristics of a Zen temple. The garden changes its expression during different seasons. The south garden is a more traditional dry zen garden composed of sand and stones.
    ryotanji-garden-11.jpg
  • Ryotanji Zen Garden - Ryotanji garden is from the Nara period, and its temple was founded in 733. The garden was created by Enshu Kobori and is located in the northern section of the temple and designated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty. The Shinji Ike pond garden was designed in the shape of the Chinese character kokoro or heart and the rock formations within the garden display characteristics of a Zen temple. The garden changes its expression during different seasons. The south garden is a more traditional dry zen garden composed of sand and stones.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-168.jpg
  • Shozen-ji Temple in northern Kyoto sees few visitors though it is not far from mega famous crowd scene temples Kinkakuji and Genko-an.  In fact, they don’t even charge an admission fee.  Its modest garden and ancient tree make it a worthwhile stop, however.  Shozen-ji Temple’s small zen garden is a rare chance to enjoy the tranquility of a Japanese zen garden without all the crowds - they way they are supposed to be enjoyed, not as a tourist attraction but an integral part of a Zen Buddhist, Jodo Sect, temple in Kyoto.  Shozen-ji is known for its rhododendrons or tsutsuji but it is not so well known as to be mobbed with tourists to see them as other venues in town trump Shozenji in this department.
    shozenji-5.jpg
  • Joken-ji temple, whose head temple is Myohon-ji in Kamakura, belongs to the Nichiren  Sect. This temple was built during the period 1319-1326.  The conifer tree on its grounds beside is over four hundred years old.  The temple is set among the calm scenery of woodlands, with a small zen garden in back, with a backdrop of artfully sculpted shrubs.
    joken-ji-2.jpg
  • Shobo-ji  Zen Garden - Shobo-ji was established in 754 by a monk called Chii - a disciple of Ganjin, who built Toshidai-ji in Nara.  Like many temples in Kyoto, Shobo-ji was burned during the wars, then reconstructed in 1615. The temple has two interesting zen gardens, particularly the "Beasts and Birds Garden” named after the shape of some of its rocks. The temple grounds are elevated compared to the rest of the valley, which gives a view of the surrounding area wthat incorporates borrowed scenery such as the distant mountains into the overall garden design.  Shobo-ji pays particular attention to flowers; ikebana can be seen on the temple grounds and in the buildings. In addition, the tsukubai water basin is usually decorated with flowers as well.
    shobo-ji-09.jpg
  • Shobo-ji  Zen Garden - Shobo-ji was established in 754 by a monk called Chii - a disciple of Ganjin, who built Toshidai-ji in Nara.  Like many temples in Kyoto, Shobo-ji was burned during the wars, then reconstructed in 1615. The temple has two interesting zen gardens, particularly the "Beasts and Birds Garden” named after the shape of some of its rocks. The temple grounds are elevated compared to the rest of the valley, which gives a view of the surrounding area wthat incorporates borrowed scenery such as the distant mountains into the overall garden design.  Shobo-ji pays particular attention to flowers; ikebana can be seen on the temple grounds and in the buildings. In addition, the tsukubai water basin is usually decorated with flowers as well.
    shobo-ji-03.jpg
  • Jiunji Temple Zen Garden - Jiunji Temple is blessed with a variety of growth: pine, cherry blossoms as well as a dry rock garden and moss which highlights each season. Gardeners are brought in from Kyoto to maintain the trees and the garden.  But besides all that, adjacent to the temple and garden is a huge pine tree that was planted in the 16th century by the zen monk Tenkei.  Jiunji is surrounded by gardens - not only one garden, but  an array of gardens, zen, moss and a pond garden behind the main hall.
    jiunji-9.jpg
  • Chokokuji Temple Zen Garden - Chokoku-ji is a vast temple compound of Rinazai sect of Zen Buddhism in Saitama, just north of Tokyo. Behind the main hall there is an expansive Zen garden, though it is rarely open to visitors but can be seen from the side of the building.  It was once associated with the Ashikaga and Tokugawa  families and is now a part of Kenchoji Kamakura branch of Rinzai.  Rather than a mere tourist attraction, it is an active temple and monastery despite the fact that it is a very attractive place with landscaped Japanese gardens, an impresive gate with carved wooden bas reliefs.
    chotokuji-saitama-0023.jpg
  • Meigetsuin Zen Garden - The karesansui zen garden of raked sand, rocks and plants at Meigetsuin Temple Garden represents legendary Mount Shumi or Sumeru an imaginary mountain in the Buddhist universe. According to records Meigetsuin was originally merely the guest house of a much bigger temple called Zenko-ji which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    kamakura-meigetsuin-03.jpg
  • Meigetsuin Zen Garden - The karesansui zen garden of raked sand, rocks and plants at Meigetsuin Temple Garden represents legendary Mount Shumi or Sumeru an imaginary mountain in the Buddhist universe. According to records Meigetsuin was originally merely the guest house of a much bigger temple called Zenko-ji which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    meigetsuin-kamakura-1.jpg
  • Jomyoji Zen Garden - Jomyoji, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura, was founded by the influential Ashikaga clan.  Jomyo-ji’s main hall sits at the end of a garden and houses a statue of  Buddha. Jomyoji also has a restored tea house Kisen-an where visitors can enjoy the view of the zen karesansui garden.  For its role in Japanese history, Jomyo-ji is named a National Historical Site by the government of Japan.
    jomyoji-9.jpg
  • Joken-ji temple, whose head temple is Myohon-ji in Kamakura, belongs to the Nichiren  Sect. This temple was built during the period 1319-1326.  The conifer tree on its grounds beside is over four hundred years old.  The temple is set among the calm scenery of woodlands, with a small zen garden in back, with a backdrop of artfully sculpted shrubs.
    joken-ji-3.jpg
  • Rinzai-ji is set at the bottom of a forested hill.  It is a Zen Buddhist monastery, and therefore not a real tourist attraction.  But there lies its charm.  Very frew visitors, and not a single tour bus to distract visitors from the calm of its austere Zen garden.
    rinzai-ji-temple-shizuoka-1.jpg
  • Japanese Gardener - Rev Takafumi Kawakami is the vice-abbot at Shunkoin Temple and teaches classes about Zen culture and meditation and serves as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures. Here Rev Takafumi is raking the temple's Zen Garden. The Garden of Bolders, or Sazareishi-no-niwa, is the main garden of Shunkoin. The theme of the garden is the Great Shrine of Ise in Mie Prefecture. The Great Shrine of Ise is the head shrine of all Shinto shrines in Japan. This garden houses a shrine to Toyouke-no-omikami, a goddess of agriculture.
    japanese-gardener-1.jpg
  • Shobo-ji Zen Garden - Shobo-ji was established in 754 by a monk called Chii - a disciple of Ganjin, who built Toshidai-ji in Nara.  Like many temples in Kyoto, Shobo-ji was burned during the wars, then reconstructed in 1615. The temple has two interesting zen gardens, particularly the "Beasts and Birds Garden” named after the shape of some of its rocks. The temple grounds are elevated compared to the rest of the valley, which gives a view of the surrounding area wthat incorporates borrowed scenery such as the distant mountains into the overall garden design.  Shobo-ji pays particular attention to flowers; ikebana can be seen on the temple grounds and in the buildings. In addition, the tsukubai water basin is usually decorated with flowers as well.
    shobo-ji-06.jpg
  • Shobo-ji Zen Garden - Shobo-ji was established in 754 by a monk called Chii - a disciple of Ganjin, who built Toshidai-ji in Nara.  Like many temples in Kyoto, Shobo-ji was burned during the wars, then reconstructed in 1615. The temple has two interesting zen gardens, particularly the "Beasts and Birds Garden” named after the shape of some of its rocks. The temple grounds are elevated compared to the rest of the valley, which gives a view of the surrounding area wthat incorporates borrowed scenery such as the distant mountains into the overall garden design.  Shobo-ji pays particular attention to flowers; ikebana can be seen on the temple grounds and in the buildings. In addition, the tsukubai water basin is usually decorated with flowers as well.
    shobo-ji-01.jpg
  • Jiunji Temple Zen Garden - Jiunji Temple is blessed with a variety of growth: pine, cherry blossoms as well as a dry rock garden and moss which highlights each season. Gardeners are brought in from Kyoto to maintain the trees and the garden.  But besides all that, adjacent to the temple and garden is a huge pine tree that was planted in the 16th century by the zen monk Tenkei.  Jiunji is surrounded by gardens - not only one garden, but  an array of gardens, zen, moss and a pond garden behind the main hall.
    jiunji-11.jpg
  • Jiunji Temple Zen Garden - Jiunji Temple is blessed with a variety of growth: pine, cherry blossoms as well as a dry rock garden and moss which highlights each season. Gardeners are brought in from Kyoto to maintain the trees and the garden.  But besides all that, adjacent to the temple and garden is a huge pine tree that was planted in the 16th century by the zen monk Tenkei.  Jiunji is surrounded by gardens - not only one garden, but  an array of gardens, zen, moss and a pond garden behind the main hall.
    jiunji-8.jpg
  • Jiunji Temple Zen Garden - Jiunji Temple is blessed with a variety of growth: pine, cherry blossoms as well as a dry rock garden and moss which highlights each season. Gardeners are brought in from Kyoto to maintain the trees and the garden.  But besides all that, adjacent to the temple and garden is a huge pine tree that was planted in the 16th century by the zen monk Tenkei.  Jiunji is surrounded by gardens - not only one garden, but  an array of gardens, zen, moss and a pond garden behind the main hall.
    jiunji-5.jpg
  • Meigetsuin Zen Garden - The karesansui zen garden of raked sand, rocks and plants at Meigetsuin Temple Garden represents legendary Mount Shumi or Sumeru an imaginary mountain in the Buddhist universe. According to records Meigetsuin was originally merely the guest house of a much bigger temple called Zenko-ji which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    kamakura-meigetsuin-06.jpg
  • Meigetsuin Zen Garden - The karesansui zen garden of raked sand, rocks and plants at Meigetsuin Temple Garden represents legendary Mount Shumi or Sumeru an imaginary mountain in the Buddhist universe. According to records Meigetsuin was originally merely the guest house of a much bigger temple called Zenko-ji which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    kamakura-meigetsuin-05.jpg
  • Meigetsuin Zen Garden - The karesansui zen garden of raked sand, rocks and plants at Meigetsuin Temple Garden represents legendary Mount Shumi or Sumeru an imaginary mountain in the Buddhist universe. According to records Meigetsuin was originally merely the guest house of a much bigger temple called Zenko-ji which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    meigetsuin-kamakura-5.jpg
  • Meigetsuin Zen Garden - The karesansui zen garden of raked sand, rocks and plants at Meigetsuin Temple Garden represents legendary Mount Shumi or Sumeru an imaginary mountain in the Buddhist universe. According to records Meigetsuin was originally merely the guest house of a much bigger temple called Zenko-ji which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    meigetsuin-kamakura-3.jpg
  • Jomyoji, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura, was founded by the influential Ashikaga clan.  Jomyo-ji’s main hall sits at the end of a garden and houses a statue of  Buddha. Jomyoji also has a restored tea house Kisen-an where visitors can enjoy the view of the zen karesansui garden.  For its role in Japanese history, Jomyo-ji is named a National Historical Site by the government of Japan.
    jomyoji-amber-2.jpg
  • Jomyoji, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura, was founded by the influential Ashikaga clan.  Jomyo-ji’s main hall sits at the end of a garden and houses a statue of  Buddha. Jomyoji also has a restored tea house Kisen-an where visitors can enjoy the view of the zen karesansui garden.  For its role in Japanese history, Jomyo-ji is named a National Historical Site by the government of Japan.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-179.jpg
  • Jomyoji, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura, was founded by the influential Ashikaga clan.  Jomyo-ji’s main hall sits at the end of a garden and houses a statue of  Buddha. Jomyoji also has a restored tea house Kisen-an where visitors can enjoy the view of the zen karesansui garden.  For its role in Japanese history, Jomyo-ji is named a National Historical Site by the government of Japan.
    jomyoji-6.jpg
  • Jomyoji, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura, was founded by the influential Ashikaga clan.  Jomyo-ji’s main hall sits at the end of a garden and houses a statue of  Buddha. Jomyoji also has a restored tea house Kisen-an where visitors can enjoy the view of the zen karesansui garden.  For its role in Japanese history, Jomyo-ji is named a National Historical Site by the government of Japan.
    jomyoji-1.jpg
  • Joken-ji temple, whose head temple is Myohon-ji in Kamakura, belongs to the Nichiren  Sect. This temple was built during the period 1319-1326.  The conifer tree on its grounds beside is over four hundred years old.  The temple is set among the calm scenery of woodlands, with a small zen garden in back, with a backdrop of artfully sculpted shrubs.
    joken-ji-1.jpg
  • Rinzai-ji is set at the bottom of a forested hill.  It is a Zen Buddhist monastery, and therefore not a real tourist attraction.  But there lies its charm.  Very frew visitors, and not a single tour bus to distract visitors from the calm of its austere Zen garden.
    rinzai-ji-temple-shizuoka-2.jpg
  • Jiunji Temple Zen Garden - Jiunji Temple is blessed with a variety of growth: pine, cherry blossoms as well as a dry rock garden and moss which highlights each season. Gardeners are brought in from Kyoto to maintain the trees and the garden.  But besides all that, adjacent to the temple and garden is a huge pine tree that was planted in the 16th century by the zen monk Tenkei.  Jiunji is surrounded by gardens - not only one garden, but  an array of gardens, zen, moss and a pond garden behind the main hall.
    jiunji-1.jpg
  • Meigetsuin Zen Garden - The karesansui zen garden of raked sand, rocks and plants at Meigetsuin Temple Garden represents legendary Mount Shumi or Sumeru an imaginary mountain in the Buddhist universe. According to records Meigetsuin was originally merely the guest house of a much bigger temple called Zenko-ji which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    kamakura-meigetsuin-04.jpg
  • Meigetsuin Zen Garden - The karesansui zen garden of raked sand, rocks and plants at Meigetsuin Temple Garden represents legendary Mount Shumi or Sumeru an imaginary mountain in the Buddhist universe. According to records Meigetsuin was originally merely the guest house of a much bigger temple called Zenko-ji which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    kamakura-meigetsuin-02.jpg
  • Jomyoji, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura, was founded by the influential Ashikaga clan.  Jomyo-ji’s main hall sits at the end of a garden and houses a statue of  Buddha. Jomyoji also has a restored tea house Kisen-an where visitors can enjoy the view of the zen karesansui garden.  For its role in Japanese history, Jomyo-ji is named a National Historical Site by the government of Japan.
    jomyoji-7.jpg
  • Jomyoji, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura, was founded by the influential Ashikaga clan.  Jomyo-ji’s main hall sits at the end of a garden and houses a statue of  Buddha. Jomyoji also has a restored tea house Kisen-an where visitors can enjoy the view of the zen karesansui garden.  For its role in Japanese history, Jomyo-ji is named a National Historical Site by the government of Japan.
    jomyoji-8.jpg
  • Jomyoji, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura, was founded by the influential Ashikaga clan.  Jomyo-ji’s main hall sits at the end of a garden and houses a statue of  Buddha. Jomyoji also has a restored tea house Kisen-an where visitors can enjoy the view of the zen karesansui garden.  For its role in Japanese history, Jomyo-ji is named a National Historical Site by the government of Japan.
    jomyoji-3.jpg
  • Meigetsuin Zen Garden - The karesansui zen garden of raked sand, rocks and plants at Meigetsuin Temple Garden represents legendary Mount Shumi or Sumeru an imaginary mountain in the Buddhist universe. According to records Meigetsuin was originally merely the guest house of a much bigger temple called Zenko-ji which was closed by the government during the Meiji period and is all that remains of the formerly important temple.
    meigetsuin-kamakura-2.jpg
  • Jomyoji, a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura, was founded by the influential Ashikaga clan.  Jomyo-ji’s main hall sits at the end of a garden and houses a statue of  Buddha. Jomyoji also has a restored tea house Kisen-an where visitors can enjoy the view of the zen karesansui garden.  For its role in Japanese history, Jomyo-ji is named a National Historical Site by the government of Japan.
    jomyoji-4.jpg
  • Eirinji or Eirinji Jokoden Temple located in Shimo-Yugi in Hachioji Tokyo.  The temple is selected as one of Hachioji Hachiji-Hakkei 88 Scenic Places in Hachioji.   Eirinji is a temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. The main object of worship is Dakini Sonten.  Passing through the three gates of Somon, Romon and Suzakumon, you will reach the main hall. On a hill behind the main hall is the ruin of Oishi Sadahisa‘s old residence, as well as a magnificent dry zen garden that is rarely open to the public but can be seen from the corner of the main temple building. The temple is attributed to Oishi Sadahisa, a powerful warrior in the Warring States period 1493-1573. When Sadahisa moved to Takiyama Castle with which the temple is associated, he founded Eirinji here. Later when Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to the Kanto region, he praised the grove in the precinct of this temple.  Surrounding the temple grounds are hills planted with various types of shrubs, including azaleas that bloom in spring with color
    eirinji-hachioji-7.jpg
  • Mimuroto-ji  Zen Garden in Uji is also known as the “flower temple” for its large gardens of seasonal flowers.  Its most famous garden is a classic chisen-kaiyu-shiki or a pond strolling garden. The rounded shrubs throughout the zen garden and pond garden are meant to resemble green tea bushes for which Uji is famous throughout Japan.  The present main hall of Mimurotoji houses the temple's principle image of the thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva. 
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-76.jpg
  • Hokokuji Temple in Kamakaura is one of the few zen temples with a traditional garden in Kamakura, where the rocks, bamboo groves, zen garden, trees and plants are blended with the hills and natural background of the landscape.
    amber-lotus-2.jpg
  • Hokokuji Temple in Kamakaura is one of the few zen temples with a traditional garden in Kamakura, where the rocks, bamboo groves, zen garden, trees and plants are blended with the hills and natural background of the landscape.
    hokokuji-9.jpg
  • Eirinji or Eirinji Jokoden Temple located in Shimo-Yugi in Hachioji Tokyo.  The temple is selected as one of Hachioji Hachiji-Hakkei 88 Scenic Places in Hachioji.   Eirinji is a temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. The main object of worship is Dakini Sonten.  Passing through the three gates of Somon, Romon and Suzakumon, you will reach the main hall. On a hill behind the main hall is the ruin of Oishi Sadahisa‘s old residence, as well as a magnificent dry zen garden that is rarely open to the public but can be seen from the corner of the main temple building. The temple is attributed to Oishi Sadahisa, a powerful warrior in the Warring States period 1493-1573. When Sadahisa moved to Takiyama Castle with which the temple is associated, he founded Eirinji here. Later when Tokugawa Ieyasu moved to the Kanto region, he praised the grove in the precinct of this temple.  Surrounding the temple grounds are hills planted with various types of shrubs, including azaleas that bloom in spring with color
    eirinji-hachioji-3.jpg
  • Joshinji Zen Garden - The Hondo main hall at Joshin-ji Temple was built in 1759 and has a striking zen garden next to the hall, one of the very few dry karesansui gardens in Tokyo. Joshin-ji Temple, also known as Kuhonbutsu is a large Jodo sect Buddhist temple in Jiyugaoka Tokyo.  The temple was established in 1678 and still maintains its original buildings . The grounds contain some of Tokyo’s oldest trees a few more than 700 years old.  Jōshin-ji is the home of the three Buddha Halls in front of the main Hall, devoted to Amida Buddha.  Each of the tall statues shows a different hand position, also known as Mudra, which have a symbolic meaning in esoteric Buddhism.  These Buddha Statues were the craftwork of the great master Kaseki Shonin who devoted his life to create nine different manifestations of the Amida Buddha.  The Niohmon Gate was completed in 1793. It houses a pair of fierce guardian divinities. Joshinji Kuhon Butsu is not listed as a tourist attraction and maintains its serenity as a working Jodo Buddhist temple without charing admissions, fees nor restrictions on entering.
    daisuke-joshinji-2.jpg
  • Joshinji Zen Garden - The Hondo main hall at Joshin-ji Temple was built in 1759 and has a striking zen garden next to the hall, one of the very few dry karesansui gardens in Tokyo. Joshin-ji Temple, also known as Kuhonbutsu is a large Jodo sect Buddhist temple in Jiyugaoka Tokyo.  The temple was established in 1678 and still maintains its original buildings . The grounds contain some of Tokyo’s oldest trees a few more than 700 years old.  Jōshin-ji is the home of the three Buddha Halls in front of the main Hall, devoted to Amida Buddha.  Each of the tall statues shows a different hand position, also known as Mudra, which have a symbolic meaning in esoteric Buddhism.  These Buddha Statues were the craftwork of the great master Kaseki Shonin who devoted his life to create nine different manifestations of the Amida Buddha.  The Niohmon Gate was completed in 1793. It houses a pair of fierce guardian divinities. Joshinji Kuhon Butsu is not listed as a tourist attraction and maintains its serenity as a working Jodo Buddhist temple without charing admissions, fees nor restrictions on entering.
    daisuke-joshinji-1.jpg
  • Mimuroto-ji  Zen Garden in Uji is also known as the “flower temple” for its large gardens of seasonal flowers.  Its most famous garden is a classic chisen-kaiyu-shiki or a pond strolling garden. The rounded shrubs throughout the zen garden and pond garden are meant to resemble green tea bushes for which Uji is famous throughout Japan.  The present main hall of Mimurotoji houses the temple's principle image of the thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva. 
    Mimuroto-ji-garden-6.jpg
  • Mimuroto-ji  Zen Garden in Uji is also known as the “flower temple” for its large gardens of seasonal flowers.  Its most famous garden is a classic chisen-kaiyu-shiki or a pond strolling garden. The rounded shrubs throughout the zen garden and pond garden are meant to resemble green tea bushes for which Uji is famous throughout Japan.  The present main hall of Mimurotoji houses the temple's principle image of the thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva. 
    Mimuroto-ji-garden-4.jpg
  • Mimuroto-ji  Zen Garden in Uji is also known as the “flower temple” for its large gardens of seasonal flowers.  Its most famous garden is a classic chisen-kaiyu-shiki or a pond strolling garden. The rounded shrubs throughout the zen garden and pond garden are meant to resemble green tea bushes for which Uji is famous throughout Japan.  The present main hall of Mimurotoji houses the temple's principle image of the thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva. 
    Mimuroto-ji-garden-2.jpg
  • Hokokuji Zen Garden -  Hokoku-ji Kamakura is world famous for its bamboo garden containing more than 2000 Moso bamboos trees. Its nickname is Take-dera "Bamboo Temple" for that reason.  The bamboo garden is punctuated with stone lanterns, jizo and moss covered stones.  Besides the popular bamboo garden, and teahouse, Hokokuji also has a often overlooked Zen garden   Ashikaga Ietoki, ordered Zen priest Tengan Eko to establish Hokoku-ji. This temple became the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. Tengan was a disciple of Mugaku Sogen a contemporary of famous garden designer Muso Kokushi.
    hokokuji-amber-3.jpg
  • Rinzai-ji is set at the bottom of a forested hill.  It is a Zen Buddhist monastery, and therefore not a real tourist attraction.  But there lies its charm.  Very frew visitors, and not a single tour bus to distract visitors from the calm of its austere Zen garden.
    rinzai-ji-temple-shizuoka-3.jpg
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