Konchi-in Temple

Escape to a serene temple away from the relentless crowds in Kyoto at Konchi-in Temple. As a sub-temple of the larger and more popular Nanzenji, it was founded in the early 15th century and relocated from Fushimi Momoyama Castle to its current location around 1605. The temple daimyo monk Ishin Suden (1569-1633) was a powerful advisor to Shoguns Ieyasu Tokugawa and Hidetaka Tokugawa. Consequently, he wielded profound sway over other temples and shrines.

Crane and Turtle Garden

Photo by: Alma Reyes

The distinguished tea master, painter, and garden curator Enshu Kobori (1579-1647) designed the famous garden in 1632. You can survey the expansive karesansui (dry landscape garden) from the engawa (veranda) of the Hojo main building. The sweep of white sand dominates the foreground, symbolizing an open sea. At the center, a rectangular rock is dedicated to Toshogu Shrine. The Turtle Island symbolizes resilience, perseverance and longevity, while the Crane Island on the far right elicits peace, happiness and good fortune. Between the islands, a triad rock arrangement, “Sanzon,” depicts Mount Horai on a cliff. The surrounding stones mirror “islands of immortals,” and a cluster of pruned trees emphasizes the depth of a mountain valley. The garden is a designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government.

Benten Pond

Photo by: PIXTA/ でじたるらぶ

Adjacent to the landscape garden, floating water lilies fill an enchanting pond. The small Benten Shrine honors the goddess of water, wealth, wisdom and music. A lush waterfall cascades from behind the pond and flows through the Crane and Turtle Garden. The scenic backdrop reflects the profound elements of Zen and Shinto traditions.

Main Abbott’s Building

This large hall, designated an Important Cultural Property, showcases the elegant aspects of traditional Zen architecture. Visitors can admire the highly esteemed “fusuma” sliding-door paintings by the Kano School, as well as the stunning “Monkeys Reaching for the Moon” and “Old Pine Tree” masterpieces by Tohaku Hasegawa inside the “Hasso-seki” (Eight-Window Tea Room). A guide provides a thorough history and description of the building and temple grounds. 

Toshogu Shrine

Photo by: PIXTA/ けんじ

From the rock garden, a wooded path leads to Toshogu Shrine. The shrine serves as a mausoleum for Ieyasu Tokugawa. Inside, you can spot his encased hair, the famous “Roaring Dragon” ceiling painting by Kano Tan’yu, and the gold portraits of the “Thirty-Six Immortal Poets” by Mitsuoki Tosa. The garden behind the shrine features additional halls and various flowering trees, particularly hydrangeas, which create a spectacular sight during the blooming season.