Funda-in Zen temple garden in Kyoto, Japan

-in is a sub-temple of Tofuku-ji in Kyoto. It was built in 1321, in the Kamakura period, as a family temple for the Ichijo clan. In 1691, the buildings of the temple burnt down, but the temple was rebuilt soon after. There are two main gardens and a smaller garden the temple. The ink painter and Zen monk Sesshu is said to have designed the southern Zen garden between 1460 and 1468. The temple is therefore also commonly called Sesshū-. In 1939, the modern garden master Shigemori Mirei, restored the garden, and added the eastern garden.

Despite its calm beauty and historical relevance, the temple is often overlooked by visitors on their way to the main temple or more famous sub-temples like -in or Ryogin-an. Chances can enjoy the temple all by yourself if you come on a weekday.

Content:

Introduction

History of the temple and garden

Architecture of the temple building

The south garden

The east garden

Personal impressions the author

14 pages

44 pictures of one of Kyoto's most beautiful secret gardens