Sanzen-in Temple

Overview

Sanzen-in Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Ohara, in the northeastern part of Kyoto. It's a sub-temple of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, and since the late Heian period, it has served as a Miyamonzeki temple, with imperial family members acting as its abbots. Traditionally founded by Saicho in 784, the temple moved to its current location after the Meiji era. Sanzen-in boasts numerous highlights, including the Ojos Gokurakuin hall (an Important Cultural Property) and the exquisite Yujoen garden. Yujoen, in particular, is a haven of tranquility, a serene world woven from trees and moss, offering a restorative escape from the hustle of city life. The beauty of the garden unfolds throughout the year; spring showcases cherry blossoms and rhododendrons, summer features hydrangeas, and autumn bursts with vibrant maple leaves. The adorable Warabedizo (baby Jizo) statues are also a popular attraction, crafted by the stone sculptor Takashi Sugimura and scattered throughout the grounds, capturing visitors' hearts. The temple's architecture, steeped in a thousand years of history, is another highlight. Sanzen-in provides a truly restorative experience, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the serenity and natural beauty of this ancient city.