Entoku-in Temple is a tranquil place, even if it is located in the most popular and the busiest sightseeing area in Kyoto, Higashiyama. Here was the last home of Nene, legal wife of preeminent samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598). She spent the last 19 years of her life here after Hideyoshi died. She established a good relationship with everyone, even with Jesuit missionaries. Luís Fróis (1532-1597) wrote about her in his work, “History of Japan” that she was an honorable person. The north garden of this temple is composed of lots of giant rocks. Surprisingly, large parts of the rocks are under ground. I think it is interesting that we can enjoy this garden by trying to see what we can't see. By the way, a distinguished Japanese playwright (the Shakespeare of Japan!), Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653-1725), also lived here for a while.
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Kyoto Entoku-in Temple
Home of Nene, legal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Community writer

North garden of Entoku-in Temple

Water basin and petals of cherry blossoms

Couple relaxing at Japanese style loggia

Fresh green beyond the round window

Entrance of the temple

Japanese sandals in front of the teahouse

Giant stones made after the image of a bridge

Moss-covered roof of the teahouse

The stones create a powerful impression

Tranquil and calm

Looking at something you can’t see! Most parts of the stones are under the ground

Clear and fresh
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Rachel Holmes
11 years ago
beautiful
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