Korin-in

Lonely stillness––
a single cicada’s cry
sinking into stone
–Bashō

Korin-in, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji, was founded by Yoshifusa Hatekeyama, a warlord of the Noto, now Ishikawa, Prefecture, in 1521-1623.

The Hojo (main building) and other elements are in the Muromachi style. It has a famous tea room, Kankyo-tei, and a dry garden.

Contrary to its neighbour Zuiho-in which is open year-round, Korin-in is only open a few weeks per year, during the high season.

The garden represents part of China with mountains as azaleas (and rhododendrons), islands as rocks. The garden also has a tree which is used traditionally in India to make the pages of sacred books.

As it was under repairs, 2011 was the first time it opened in several years.

The small entrance with the window on the left of the garden was the main subject of the repairs: taking it apart and rebuilding it did cost the temple several millions of dollars. This style of “entrance with window” is a classic feature of many famous zen gardens, including Ryogen-ji, Kodai-ji, Ginkakuji and Kenin-ji.

It is possible to arrange for a meditation experience at this temple with https://www.insidejapantours.com/experience-japan/i-bs008-9/zazen-meditation-/