Toji-in Temple, Kyoto

Awaiting discovery amidst the popular tourist sights of Kyoto, this hidden gem offers a rare opportunity for tranquil reflection, thanks to its enchanting pond garden. Originally established by the first of the Ashikaga shoguns, it served as a familial temple for the ruling dynasty, guided by the visionary design of the influential Muso Soseki, its founding abbot. Despite currently lacking a resident priest, its spiritual ambiance remains palpable.

Stepping inside, visitors are met by a striking portrait of Daruma, painted by a former abbot of Tenryu-ji, its stern countenance a reminder of the unwavering resolve demanded by Zen practice. In contrast, the garden exudes tranquility, best admired from the veranda of the Main Hall, where one can indulge in a refreshing cup of tea. The Heart-Shaped Pond, mirroring the Chinese character for “shin” (heart-mind), and another pond resembling a delicate lotus blossom, stand as testament to the artistry of the landscape design. Amidst the meticulously arranged rocks and verdant shrubbery, a sinuous red pine commands attention, while a flat stone bridge beckons toward the mythical Mount Horai, the fabled Isle of the Blessed.