Hosen-in Temple - Kyoto

Famous for an old tree, but the mixed dry rock and plant garden also attached was far more interesting, and seems to be a rare type, as far as I can tell after a holiday of temples.

Entrance fee includes a ticket for matcha and sweet tasting. Perfect to have a relaxing time.

“Hosen-in Temple” Hosen-in Temple is a temple of the Tendaishu sect located north of the hchuaf Sanzen-in in Ohara, Kyoto. The temple was built in 1012 as a temple of Shorin-in. There are two gardens in the temple grounds. The first garden is Bankanen; From the room, looking through the gap between the pillars can clearly see the bamboo grove and Ohara village on the opposite side, and that image is like capturing the landscape in a picture frame so this garden is also called is "Gakubuchi" (picture frame). The second garden is Tsurukameteien - built in the middle of the Edo period; this is a famous garden with a lake shaped like a crane, a mountain simulating the shape of a tortoise, seeing the ancient garden of gardenia as the scene of Horaisan mountain (Bong Lai mountain); This wonderful view can be enjoyed through the fox window. In addition, in this garden, there are over 300 years old luxuriant Sala trees. In addition, the Chitenjo (blood ceiling) relocated from Fushimi Castle in Genkoan is also a highlight of Hosen-ji Temple (there is also a "blood ceiling" at Genko-an Temple in Takagamine). These are the floor tiles at Fushimi Castle - which was once soaked with the blood of hundreds of martial artists under Torii Mototada - a close loyalist of Tokugawa, who fought with Mitsunari Ishida's army and committed suicide here. In order for the souls who died in the fierce battle that year to rest in peace, floor tiles in Fushimi Castle were used as ceilings in five temples, including Hosen-ji Temple. Today, when we look at the ceiling that still has these bloodstains, we will understand how fierce the war in the warring States period was. In addition, at Hosen-ji Temple, there is another point not to be missed, which is a 700-year-old Japanese white pine tree shaped in the shape of Mount Omifuji (Mount Fuji of the Omi region).

Hosenin has a beautiful garden just behind the ticketing counter that most visitors miss out on. The main garden with the 700-year-old tree shaped like Mt Fuji with its blood ceilings from Fushimi Castle are the main attraction, bjt don’t miss out on the other garden either! Entry is expensive at ¥800, but it comes with a bowl of matcha.

Ohara is a nice 1/2 day trip from Kyoto. This temple and the neighbor one are great to rest and enjoy some serenity moments. You can consume green tea as wel!!

This is a beautiful rock garden in Kyoto. It's close by Sanzen-in. So you can enjoy tour around this area. :))

The temple grounds feature a rock garden at various elevations. I suggest that this is probably more entertaining than the main relaxing seating and tea-drinkng area for guests. It was quite crowded when we visited during the fall foliage season. Conversely, the rock garden, with various colored leaves and trees, was practically empty. Finally, the cost of admission can be expensive depending on your circumstances.

If you miss here during Kyoto trip, you will regret. Hosenin Temple is smaller than Sanjen Temple, however, it is worth a visit to have meditation and refresh. Don’t forget to take free tea and sweet. You should pay it in Other temples.