Manshu-in Temple is almost a temple within a garden. The grounds contain a wide expanse of precisely-raked white gravel that resembles a sea with islands of trees, rocks, shrubs and moss floating inside. This gravel sea encompasses the two main temple buildings as well, and from within the buildings there are excellent, meditative views of the garden. In autumn, the hillside maples turn a fiery red, and together with the fallen leaves on the garden, add a glorious accent.

 

The temple buildings themselves are very old and have been designated Important Cultural Properties. They are representative of the Shoin style of architecture from the early Edo Period and contain some famous paintings by artists of the Kano school.