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.
- 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

Ripple design in the sand

Arrangement with huge rock and small statues

Wooden building with gracefully shaped roof

Blue bell-flowers beside the path

Stone lantern among trees

Lotuses in pots in front of the main hall

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

Roof framed by bell tower

The bell tower stands beside a gate

Gate in the wall around Toko-ji
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