Ryogen-in, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji
Ryogen-in, the head temple of the South School of Rinzai-shu Daitoku-ji sect, has four of good Karesansui (dry landscape) gardens. The most interesting would be Ryogin-tei, a moss covered Karesansui that was laid out in early 16th century. Other three including Isshidan (photo right) are relatively new but also interesting.
Hojo building, Genkan (the entrance) and Omote-mon gate were built with typical Zen style at about the same time the temple was founded.
History
Ryogen-in was founded in 1502 by Hatakeyama Yoshimoto, the lord of Noto Province (present day Ishikawa Prefecture) together with some others including Otomo Yoshinaga of Bungo Province (today's Oita Prefecture). Priest Tokei Soboku of Daitoku-ji was assigned as the founder.
How to get to Ryogen-in
37 minutes from Kyoto Station to Daitoku-ji-mae by Kyoto City Bus 206, then 3 minutes on foot.
Hours and Admission
9:00-16:30
Closed when Buddhist memorial services are held.
All except following: 350 yen
High school students: 250 yen
Junior high school students (7th - 9th graders) and younger: 200 yen
Photos
Click on a photo for full image.
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| Omote-mon (the front gate). An important cultural property that was built
in the early 16th century. October 25, 2008 |
Ishidoro (a stone lantern) and a stone pavement that reaches the Genkan
(Kara-mon). October 25, 2008 |
Narrow Koda-tei garden in front of Shoin room. October 25, 2008 |
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| "Un-no-ishi" stone in Koda-tei. This used to be a foundation stone of Jurakutei, a castle like mansion of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. October 25, 2008 |
Karesansui (dry landscape) garden called Isshidan that is in front of Hojo
building. October 25, 2008 |
Genkan, an important cultural property, and Kame-jima (turtle island) in
Isshidan garden. October 25, 2008 |
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| Two stones on the right are likened to Horai-san that is believed to be a mountain where spiritually awakened people live. October 25, 2008 |
Tsuru-jima (crane island) in Isshidan garden. October 25, 2008 |
The central room of Hojo and the main Buddhist image. Hojo, an important
cultural property, was built around the year 1517. October 25, 2008 |
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| Kaiso-do, the hall of the founder. October 25, 2008 |
Ishidoro in front of Kaiso-do. October 25, 2008 |
Karesansui garden called Ryugin-tei that is a backyard of Hojo building. It is said that Soami made this garden at the same time Hojo was built. October 25, 2008 |
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| The tallest stone in the middle of Ryugin-tei is called Shumisen-seki. Shumisen is a imaginary mountain that stands in the center of the Buddhist world. A round stone in front of it is called Yohai-seki. October 25, 2008 |
Totekiko, that is said to be the smallest Karesansui garden in Japan. This
was laid out by NABESHIMAGakusho in 1958. October 25, 2008 |
A well called Tansetsusei. October 25, 2008 |