Koumyoin Temple

koumyouin

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Koumyoin Temple, nicknamed the "Rainbow Moss Temple," boasts a captivating karesansui garden, "Hashin-tei," designed by the Showa-era landscape architect, Jyumonji Mirei.

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HighlightsHashin-tei, a karesansui garden designed by Jyumonji Mirei
Three prominent stones floating on white gravel and diagonally arranged standing stones
Seasonal beauty created by azaleas and rhododendrons
Unrei-tei garden enshrining Marishi-sonnten, the guardian deity of victory
Rougetsuan tea house offering views of the rising moon

Basic Information

Address: 15-809 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto Search for tourist attractions in Kyoto

Access: 10-minute walk from Tofukuji Station on the Keihan Main Line Show route

Op.Hours: Approximately 7:00 AM to sunset (varies seasonally)

Cld.Days: Open every day

Fee: 500 yen

INFO: Komyoin Temple is one of the sub-temples of Tofuku-ji Temple, founded in the early Kamakura period. It's renowned for its karesansui (dry landscape) garden, "Hashin-tei," designed by the renowned Showa-era garden architect, Shigemori Mirei. The three stones floating on the white gravel and the diagonally arranged standing stones create a majestic view reminiscent of the vast ocean. Azaleas and rhododendrons are planted behind the garden, offering changing scenery throughout the seasons. Further into the garden lies the teahouse, "Ragetsuan," featuring moon motifs on its windows, walls, and shoji screens, ingeniously designed to enhance the enjoyment of the rising moon in the eastern sky as viewed from the garden. Komyoin Temple is highly recommended for those seeking tranquility. If you wish to escape the urban hustle and bustle and take some time for peaceful reflection, be sure to visit.

HP: https://www.toufukuji.jp/koumyouin/

Overview

Koumyoin Temple is a sub-temple of Tofukuji Temple, famed for its karesansui garden, "Hashin-tei," created by the Showa-era landscape architect, Jyumonji Mirei. "Hashin-tei" features a majestic landscape: three prominent stones floating on a sea of white gravel, with standing stones arranged in diagonal lines. Azaleas and rhododendrons planted behind the garden offer seasonal variations. A tea house, "Rougetsuan," is located at the back of the garden; its windows, walls, and sliding doors are adorned with moon motifs, ingeniously framing the rising moon in the eastern sky. "Hashin-tei" embodies Jyumonji Mirei's philosophy of a "living garden," constantly evolving through the passage of time, wind, rain, and the natural processes. The harmonious blend of moss and sand creates a tranquil scene, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet away from the city's hustle and bustle. Besides "Hashin-tei," Koumyoin also features "Unrei-tei," a garden featuring moss and sand, where the guardian deity of victory, Marishi-sonnten, is enshrined. Unrei-tei is located immediately after entering the temple gate. Koumyoin Temple offers a sanctuary of serenity, ideal for those wishing to escape the urban clamor and find inner peace. It's a must-visit for a tranquil escape.