Admission
- Adult (18+)¥600
Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
At a Glance
The rock garden's 15 stones are arranged so that from any viewing angle, at least one stone is always hidden—symbolizing the Zen concept that perfect understanding is forever beyond human reach.
The temple's famous tsukubai (water basin) cleverly uses its square center as the kanji "口" (mouth), which combines with surrounding characters to read "吾唯足知"—"I am content with what I have."
Founded in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto, who led the Eastern forces in the devastating Ōnin War, the temple was ironically burned down in that same conflict before being rebuilt by his son.
The tsukubai basin was donated by Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the powerful daimyo who inspired the popular Japanese TV series "Mito Kōmon," making it a gift from one of Edo period's most legendary figures.
裁判所前 Station
Sakaimachi Oike Station
烏丸二条 Station
京都市役所前 Station
6 structures on the grounds
Fascinating facts about this place
The rock garden's 15 stones are arranged so that from any viewing angle, at least one stone is always hidden—symbolizing the Zen concept that perfect understanding is forever beyond human reach.
The temple's famous tsukubai (water basin) cleverly uses its square center as the kanji "口" (mouth), which combines with surrounding characters to read "吾唯足知"—"I am content with what I have."
Founded in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto, who led the Eastern forces in the devastating Ōnin War, the temple was ironically burned down in that same conflict before being rebuilt by his son.