Taizo-in Zen Buddhist Temple has designated cultural properties and beautiful gardens that change by the seasons spreading across its precincts. Rev. Daiko Matsuyama, Deputy Head Priest, hopes that the minds of the visitors to Taizo-in Temple will "leave behind their daily lives when they are here".

Taizo-in Zen Buddhist Temple in the Hanazono area of Kyoto was founded over 600 years ago. It is the oldest among the over forty sub-temples within the Myoshin-ji Temple Complex, the headquarters of the Rinzai Sect of Zen Buddhism. The temple has a National Treasure ink painting Hyonenzu “Catching a Catfish with a Gourd” (the original is in a museum now), a dry landscape garden designed by master painter Kano Motonobu about 450 years ago, Motonobu no Niwa, and a pond garden known as a mid-twentieth century masterpiece, Yoko-en.   

While many areas in the Myoshin-ji Temple Complex are not open to the public except for during special admission periods, Taizo-in is open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the gardens that take on different charms as the seasons come and go.

When Rev. Matsuyama was a young child, enjoying matcha that he whisked in a bowl himself, after coming home on his preschool bus, was part of his everyday life.

“According to a person who researches fragrance in Osaka University’s Faculty of Medicine, the best way to prepare matcha and gain the relaxing effect of its fragrance is to whisk it. Of course, the matcha they serve in shops is delicious, but the fragrance of the moment it is prepared using a whisk is by far the most luscious and important” so he tells the merit of practicing it yourself. 

Rev. Matsuyama readily expresses his fondness for traditional Kyoto sweets as well: “We’ve had Oimatsu’s Kyogashi sweets available at Taizo-in from before, but I wished I could have everyone taste freshly made Kyogashi, too.” He believes that their authentic flavor makes a world of difference. 

Immersing yourself into the culture and thought of zen buddhism at Taizo-in temple is made all the more pleasant by the stimulation that occurs in all of your senses. Guests who visit Taizo-in for the special guided tour additionally have the opportunity to sit down to matcha tea and sweets and relax while gazing at the view of the temple garden. The sound and sights of the garden, the smell, taste and touch of the delicately crafted sweets and tea all contribute to creating a special atmosphere. 

“I hope people can leave their everyday lives behind for a moment, immerse themselves in their own senses and take themselves on a spiritual retreat,” said Rev. Matsuyama.

Overview

• Dive deep into the world of Zen with instruction from Deputy Head Priest Matsuyama, a globally active figure who has met with the former Catholic Pope.
• Practice zazen meditation in August and invigorating air of early morning or evening.
• After the experience, enjoy matcha and traditional confectioneries while taking in the garden.