Ryogin-an temple
Ryogin-an, one of Tofuku-ji's sub-temples, has Japan's oldest Hojo building, a national treasure, that was built in around 1387. The Rinzai-shu sect temple also has excellent modern karesansui gardens that were laid out in 1964 by Shigemori Mirei (1896-1975).
History
This temple originally was a residence of the third Chief Priest of Tofuku-ji, Mukan Fumon (1212-1291) and said to be founded in 1291.
How to get to Ryogin-an
A few minutes of walk from Kuri building of Tofuku-ji.
Hours and Admission
Open only March 14-16 and November 1-30
9:00-16:00 (reception will be closed at 15:30)
High school students and older: 400 yen
Elementary school and junior high school students (1st - 9th graders):
300 yen
Photos
Click on a photo for full image.
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| Southern garden named Mu-no-niwa (the garden of vanity) in front of Hojo
building. Shigemori designed this garden to be very simple except the bamboo
fence at the far end. The temple seemed not very happy to have Hojo building
be photoed. November 27, 2008 |
The western garden is called Ryogin-tei that means something like "Dragon
Chanting Garden". The three large stones in the middle depict a head
of a dragon and other stones are its coiled body protruding from cloud. November 27, 2008 |
The dragon head. November 27, 2008 |
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| Kaisan-do, or the founder's hall, that was built in 1975. November 27, 2008 |
The northern garden, Furi-no-niwa (Garden of the Inseparable), depicts a scene that two dogs protect young Mukan Fumon from wolves. The reddish gravel makes this garden quite unique. November 27, 2008 |
Engetsu-kyo bridge between Ryogin-an and Kuri of Tofuku-ji. November 27, 2008 |