Mar 11, 2013 - 1 min read

Kamakura’s Zuisen-ji Temple

Experience a pure Zen rock garden

By Tomoko Kamishima

Community writer

Small shelter for jizo statues (Jizo-do) near the rock garden

This cave (Tennyo-do), dug into the rock, was designed for the purpose of Za-zen practice

Yellow flowers announce the coming of spring

A gargoyle on the roof of the entrance gate

Camellias blooming in the garden

Buddhist statue and stone pagodas

Muso Soseki built bridges, steps and a pond into the rock face

Rock garden in early spring

The main hall of Zuisen-ji Temple

The first chief priest at Zuisen-ji Temple was Muso Soseki. He was not only a high level Zen Buddhist monk but also a Zen artist (especially for calligraphy, poetry, and garden design). He completed this temple’s Zen rock garden in 1328 when he was 53 years old. A cave (Tennyo-do) dug into the rock was designed for the purpose of Za-zen practice. He often held poetry meetings at a small hall on the cliff (Henkai-ichiran-tei; not open to the public) from which the members could enjoy a stunning view of Mt. Fuji.

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Tomoko Kamishima

By Tomoko Kamishima

Community writer

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