Sep 11, 2014 - 1 min read

Toko-ji in Kofu

Beautiful dry garden with magnificent standing rocks

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

The sand resembles the ocean lapping at the shore

Rock sentinels in the kare-san-sui garden

Paving stones set in white sand resemble a river with rocks

Traditionally styled open sided room - a rest area

Arrangement with huge rock and small statues

Wooden building with gracefully shaped roof

Lotuses in pots in front of the main hall

Toko-ji's pond is shaped like the ideogram for 'dragon'

I almost missed seeing this Kamakura Era temple. Setting out to explore Kofu by electric bicycle, I started the day off with Takeda Shrine, and went to about ten different temples and shrines including fabulous Kai-Zenkoji. I was riding along a hill road looking down over vineyards when I spied a temple roof. My first thought was "I've seen enough temples today", but the I decided to have a quick look, and I'm glad I did! There is a beautiful kare-san-sui garden with some really great rocks. There is also a pond, and a pleasant rest area styled like a traditional Japanese room complete with hanging scroll and flower arrangement.