Chion-in, the head temple of Jodo Sect, was built on land related to the founder, Reverend Honen. Yuzen-en on the premises was remodeled in 1954 on the 300th anniversary of the birth of Yuzen textile’s founder and a painter in mid Edo Period, Miyazaki Yuzen. It is made up of the stroll-style pond garden with the spring water from Higashiyama drawn in and also a Japanese rock garden Rokuyaen.
In the garden, there is a tea house, Karei-an, which was transferred from the villa of Kyoto’s prominent businessman, Tokutaro Osawa, as well as another tea house Hakuju-an, transferred in commemoration of the 86th priest Koryu Nakamura’s 99th birthday. Both tea houses follow the Urasenke style, adding grace to the garden.
Just the garden itself has lots to see, such as the national treasure Sanmon Gate near the garden, koi fish in the pond, cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage. Chion-in has Hojo Garden (charges a separate fee, a combo ticket available), a national place of scenic beauty, and buildings designated as national treasures and important cultural properties worth a look.
Highlights
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Located on the premises of Chion-in, the head temple of Jodo Sect.
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The garden which commemorates Yuzen textile’s founder, Miyazaki Yuzen.
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Made up of two parts, the stroll-style around the pond and Japanese rock garden.
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Two tea houses in the Urasenke style stand in the garden.