The temple of Taizo-in has been beloved by people for more than 600 years. Its appeal stems from each and every one of its unique treasures: the dry landscape garden by Kano Motonobu, Josetsu’s masterpiece, Hyonenzu (“Catching a Catfish with a Gourd”), one of Japan’s oldest surviving ink paintings, the Yoko-en (a pond-and-stroll-style garden), and a suikinkutsu, a wash basin in which drops of water echo clearly in a hidden underground chamber. These historic treasures will fascinate any visitor to the temple.
Kyoto has long been the heart of Zen Buddhism culture in Japan. Zazen is mediation in silence and stillness. The arts of sadoh (tea ceremony) and kadoh (flower arranging) developed concurrently with and are inseparable from Zen. Zen temple cuisine, shojin ryori, goes beyond simple vegetarian cooking by incorporating the true spirit and essence of Zen. You can experience all of these aspects of Zen at Taizo-in. Surely you cannot find a more enriching experience even if you search the world over.
We hope that when you visit central Kyoto, you will visit us at Taizo-in and submerge your mind and body in the ways of Zen.
