Former Chikurin-in Temple — Attraction in Otsu

Former Chikurin-in is one of the many historical remains of Sakamoto, Otsu City. Earlier it was a satobo or home for monks,　In the beginning of Meiji-era, Chikurin-in was sold to ordinary people and used as private villa, now a calm and peaceful sight seeing place. In the past, masters of all tea schools would gather here in order to enjoy tea together. There are two tea ceremony houses and an arbor designated as the cultural assets of Otsu City, where visitors can partake of matcha. The garden area of about 3,300 sq. meter makes it a beautiful natural atmosphere. The water of Omiya river streaming through fresh green trees and attractive moss produces a wonderful...

This temple, located near the Hieizan Cable Station on the east side of Lake Biwa, is noted as a place worth visiting. The ancient Japanese garden is a wonderful artistic expression of three dimensional space. We can enjoy the changing seasons, including the "Snow-viewing lanterns". The fact that they are decorating the scenery of garden indicates that "Old Chikurin-In" should be visited in the winter when it snows. There is a teahouse nearby, so no shortage of food. Toilet available. Wheelchairs may be a...

とても落ち着きのある場所で、主屋からみる庭園は非常に綺麗でした。 入園料も(330円/大人)安く、ゆっくり楽しめるような場所でした。 8月の暑い日に行きましたが、気温も少し和らぎ、また主屋の中には、幾つか扇風機が配置されてました。 老若男女問わず、和や日本の自然を感じたい人におすすめの場所です！ 晴れている日の野点傘の「赤」と庭園の「緑」の色合いが素晴らしく映え、趣を感じました。

近くの駅としては、比叡山坂本駅(JR)と坂本比叡山口駅(石山坂本線)があります。 歩きでも行けますが、向かう時は坂道になるので少し大変だと思います。私たちは比叡山坂本駅からバスに乗り、坂本駅比叡山駅で降り、目の前にある坂本市民センターで荷物を置きました。坂本市民センターには、コインロッカー(大中小6つほど)や自転車のレンタルもありました。

It was a very relaxing place, and the garden seen from the main building was very beautiful. Admission was inexpensive (330 yen/adult), and it was a place to relax and enjoy. We visited on a hot August day, but the temperature was a bit cooler and there were several fans inside the main building. I recommend this place to anyone, young or old, who wants to feel the harmony and nature of Japan! On a sunny day, the "red" of the nodate umbrella and the "green" of the garden looked wonderful and atmospheric. The garden also had information and explanations for international visitors.

Nearby stations are Hieizan Sakamoto Station (JR Line) and Sakamoto Hieiyamaguchi Station (Ishiyama Sakamoto Line). It is possible to walk to the site, but it is a bit difficult as it is uphill when heading there. We took the bus from Hieizan Sakamoto Station, got off at Sakamoto Station Hieizan Station, and dropped off our luggage at the Sakamoto Civic Center right in front of the station. The Sakamoto Civic Center also had coin lockers (about 6 large, medium and small) and bicycle rentals.

I hope you have a good time.

I apologize if there are any mistakes...