Taizō-in Temple — Attraction in Kyoto

Very calm and serene temple. A small temple with a reproduction of watercolor representing an illustration of a famous chinese Buddhist quote: "How do you catch a big slippery catfish with a small gourde?". As a result, catfish theme charms and goodies available. The most interesting parts are the zen garden - two (a white and a black) rock garden surrounding a tall whipping willow & the pound garden, which is framed to the artificial waterfall. A lot of momiji trees (maples) and a rather large wisteria complement well the pound. Usual koi fishea (japanese carps) in the pound but unusual very green tall algae cover the entire pound for an ethereal feeling. A traditional tea ceremony pagoda can be seen and an actual tea house can be used (seasonal wagashi and good quality matcha tea for 500¥). A nice little plus: near the souvenir boutique, a bamboo clock has a bamboo tube planted nearby and you can hear the sound it made underground, most peculiar! I recommend if you do not care about how famous the temple his (compare to ginka and kinkakuji or wosrt kyomizudera) or if you have some time to kill and feel the need...

Taizō-in, nestled within Kyoto’s expansive Myōshin-ji temple complex, is a serene Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1404. Renowned for its exquisite gardens, it features the dry landscape garden “Motonobu-no-niwa,” attributed to the painter Kanō Motonobu, and the pond garden “Yoko-en,” designed by Nakane Kinsaku in the 1960s. The temple also houses the celebrated ink painting “Catching a Catfish with a Gourd” (Hyōnen-zu) by Josetsu, a National Treasure of Japan. Visitors can immerse themselves in Zen culture through meditation sessions, tea ceremonies, and seasonal events, making Taizō-in a tranquil retreat that beautifully encapsulates Kyoto’s rich...

Like all gardens, Taizo-in rewards the visitor who immerses themselves in the experience. Every angle brings new perspective and new opportunities for personal reflection. No view, no seat, allows you to see the whole. Only by moving and exploring can you begin to appreciate the paradox that what you are seeing is only a small part of all that you cannot see. Which time of year is best? The time you are there is the best, and you will appreciate it's unfolding lessons long after you leave.

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