A Zen temple in Izushi Castle Town, associated with the renowned monk, Soyu Soan. The early Edo period's pond garden, "Fukishikien," offers beautiful scenery throughout the year.
Shrines and Temples
Historic Sites
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Highlights
Zen temple associated with Soyu Soan
Early Edo period pond garden, "Fukishikien"
The "Dream Bell" from Soyu Soan's dream
Seasonal beauty of the main hall garden
Serene atmosphere reflecting the history of Izushi Castle Town
Take the All Butsu Bus bound for "Izushi" from Toyooka Station (Sanin Main Line and Kyoto Tango Railway) or Yoka Station (Sanin Main Line). The ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Get off at the final stop and walk for 12 minutes.
From Fukuchiyama IC on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway, it's about a 40-minute drive via National Route 9 and National Route 426. Show route
Op.Hours
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cld.Days
January, February, July, August, Buddhist memorial services, and private hire days
Fee
Adults: ¥500, Elementary and Junior High School Students: ¥200
INFO
Free parking available (5 large buses and approximately 20 passenger cars)
Sokyōji Temple is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple of the Daitoku-ji school located in Higashijo, Izushi-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Its mountain name is Engaku-zan. It was founded in 1392 (Genchu 9) as the family temple of the Izushi castle lords, the Yamanami clan. The opening monk was Daido-ji Zenji of Tofuku-ji Temple. The temple's name, Sokyōji, is derived from the posthumous Buddhist name of the Yamanami clan head.
The temple fell into disrepair for a long time afterward, but was revived in 1616 (Genwa 2) by Soyu Soan at the behest of Yoshihide Koide, the Izushi castle lord. Soan, who served the shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, frequently returned to his hometown of Izushi, spending a total of over 30 years at Sokyōji Temple. Therefore, it's also commonly known as "Soan-dera."
Soan named the temple garden "Fukishikien" and developed it as a pond garden. This garden is also called the "Crane and Turtle Garden," and is said to have been designed by Soan as a "garden of nothingness." Meanwhile, the adjacent Ganjo-ji Temple garden is considered the "garden of the heart," and together, the two gardens are said to represent a "garden of nothingness and heart."
One of the highlights of Sokyōji Temple is its bell tower gate. This gate houses the "Dream Bell," which was said to have been discovered after Soan dreamt of its location and had it excavated.
Sokyōji Temple offers a tranquil space enveloped in history and nature, where you can spend a peaceful time. Be sure to visit when you explore Izushi Castle Town.
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