Don't miss the stunning garden, designated as a national Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty, said to have been designed by Sesshu. Enjoy the beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
Ikomyoji Temple is a Rinzai sect temple of Tofuku-ji school located in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. Its history is ancient; it is said that its predecessor was a Tendai sect temple called Sukuanji Temple. Sukuanji Temple was founded in 1363 (during the reign of Emperor Go-Murakami), and Ikomyoji Temple was its sub-temple. Although Sukuanji Temple was protected by the Masuda clan for generations, it fell into ruin during the Sengoku period. In the Tenbun era, Masuda Munekane, the 17th head of the Masuda clan, revived the sub-temple Ikomyoji, which then became the successor temple. Ikomyoji Temple's Sesshu Garden is a magnificent garden designated as a national Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. It is said that Sesshu designed the garden during his stay in Masuda in the Bunmei era. The garden is a pond-viewing, semi-circulatory style, featuring a crane pond with a tortoise island, creating an auspicious garden. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season; weeping cherry blossoms bloom profusely in spring, azaleas blanket the area in May, the greenery provides a cool respite in summer, and large maple trees turn crimson in autumn. Furthermore, the temple's main gate is said to be relocated from the main gate of Nanao Castle (Masuda Castle). Nanao Castle was built by the Masuda clan, and the main gate of Ikomyoji Temple is a precious structure that evokes a sense of its history. Ikomyoji Temple is a wonderful place to enjoy both history and nature. You can calm your mind in the tranquil atmosphere and spend a relaxing time gazing at the beautiful scenery. Be sure to visit!