Walk Through Japan’s Largest Zen Temple: A Journey into Myoshinji’s History, Architecture, and Culinary Culture

Leave the hustle and bustle of Kyoto behind and step into a world of profound silence.Located northwest of central Kyoto, beyond Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), Myoshinji is one of Japan's largest Zen temple complexes, home to 46 sub-temples.More than just a destination, it is a living Zen sanctuary where monks continue their rigorous training. This 4-hour journey offers an intimate exploration of this deeply spiritual space.

First, we visit Taizo-in. After encountering the Zen riddle presented in the National Treasure ink painting "Hyonen-zu" (Catching a Catfish with a Gourd), we will admire two contrasting gardens: the "immutable beauty" that has remained unchanged for 500 years, and the "beauty of transition" created 60 years ago to reflect the four seasons. Savor these distinct landscapes quietly with a bowl of matcha tea.

We then proceed to the Hatto (Dharma Hall), located at the heart of the complex. Above, the magnificent 'Cloud Dragon', painted about 350 years ago, remains in its stunningly original state, having never undergone major restoration. Gaze up at this monumental artwork and feel the pure weight of concentrated history within the hall.

Our next stop is Keishun-in, notable for Kano Sansetsu’s magnificent fusuma (sliding door) paintings and four distinct gardens. In the "Shinnyo-no-niwa" (Garden of Truth), where beautiful moss spreads out, you can actually step down into the garden to feel its delicate beauty up close.

The finale is Shojin Ryori at the long-established restaurant "Ajiro." Through dishes prepared with the philosophy of "seasonality, using every part of the ingredient, and mindfulness," you will receive the spirit of Zen through your five senses.

A Zen temple is a place that symbolically condenses nature, sharpening the mind within empty space and silence. Its gardens and architecture are not mere decorations but spatial art that gives form to philosophy. This journey takes you beyond the surface and into the core of the aesthetic and spiritual depth fostered by Zen.

Note: The photographs shown here were taken in summer and autumn. Winter brings a more muted palette, highlighting the crisp, dignified silence characteristic of a Zen temple. We hope you will visit to experience this unique atmosphere, which offers a different beauty from the images.

Myoshinji is the largest Zen temple in Japan, boasting a history of approximately 700 years. On its vast grounds, 46 small temples (sub-temples) stand side by side, creating the appearance of a "Town of Zen" where monks continue their ascetic practices to this day.

On this tour, we will guide you to the Hatto (Dharma Hall), the center of the complex. Above, the ceiling holds the monumental 'Cloud Dragon,' a 12-meter-diameter masterpiece painted by the master artist, Kano Tanyu, over an eight-year period.

Crucially, this dragon has stood for 350 years without a single major restoration, remaining in its pure, original state. We invite you to gaze up quietly at this historical space and observe the dragon's form, which is said to shift and change appearance depending on your viewing position—a subtle, powerful experience.

Taizo-in is known for the National Treasure "Hyonen-zu," which visually conveys the spirit of Zen. It depicts a Zen koan (a riddle for spiritual training): "How do you catch a large, slippery catfish with a small gourd?"—a task that seea riddle for spiritual trainingms impossible at first glance. Gazing at this mysterious painting may invite you to the entrance of the profound world of Zen.

The highlight of the grounds is the "Two Famous Gardens of Old and New."

One is "Motonobu-no-Niwa," created by a painter active about 500 years ago. It is a dry landscape garden (karesansui) that pursues "immutable beauty" by using evergreens and rock arrangements, ensuring the scenery remains unchanged throughout the year.

The other is "Yoko-en," created about 60 years ago. This is a strolling pond garden that is colorful and vibrant, adorned with seasonal flowers and the sound of water.

By touring these two gardens—one possessing a silence unchanged for 500 years, and the other changing its expression with every season—you can feel the depth and breadth of Zen aesthetics. Here, please enjoy a moment of facing your inner self while having matcha in the tea room.

<br> Founded about 400 years ago, this sub-temple features magnificent fusuma (sliding door) paintings by Kano Sansetsu from the time of its construction.

The precinct features four gardens with different atmospheres. Among them, the "Shinnyo-no-niwa" (Garden of Truth) is captivating with its expanse of beautiful moss and diverse trees. A unique feature is that you are not limited to viewing from afar; you can actually step down into the garden and touch its beauty up close. Please savor the delicate Zen aesthetic found in every well-tended corner.

For lunch, we will have Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at "Ajiro," a long-established restaurant and official purveyor to Myoshinji. In the Zen tradition, preparing food is considered a crucial form of ascetic training and spiritual practice.

Ajiro follows the culinary principles of "using seasonal ingredients," "utilizing ingredients fully without waste," and "putting one's heart (mindfulness) into the work." By tasting dishes filled with the creator's thoughts, you will deeply feel the Zen spirit alive in the food culture.

◎ English-speaking local guide
◎ Admission fees for Myoshinji
◎ Matcha fee at Taizo-in
◎ Lunch fee at Ajiro
× Transportation costs

9:00 — Meeting at Myoshinji South Gate (Minami-Somon)

9:10 — Taizo-in

10:10 — Hatto (Dharma Hall)

10:40 — Keishun-in

11:30 — Lunch at Ajiro Note: Depending on reservation availability, we may guide you to a different restaurant.

12:30 — Tour Ends

・Your reservation will be confirmed upon a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
・Please book at least 2 days in advance so that we can build the best experience for you.
・Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. Elementary school children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・The experience may be canceled or postponed at short notice, or the content may be changed due to traffic conditions, etc.
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・Free of charge for cancellations up to 3 days prior to the tour date, 100% for cancellations 2 days or less prior to the tour date.
・Special Cases (Natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
・Transaction fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.
・Please contact us if you will be more than 5 minutes late. If you are late without notice, we may have to treat your booking as a cancellation. Please be aware of this policy.