“A temple near Kennin-ji Temple? I’ve never heard of it!” a fellow traveler once exclaimed to me. That’s the thing about Kyoto – hidden gems like Saien-ji Temple are tucked away, waiting to be discovered. Saien-ji Temple, a tranquil oasis of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, rests quietly near the more prominent Kennin-ji Temple. Don’t let its humble presence fool you. This temple, founded in 1224 by Fujiwara no Kanezane, holds a captivating past. Originally envisioned as a grand retreat with a lake, a main hall, and residential buildings, Saien-ji Temple’s fate took a turn.
The temple’s ownership eventually transferred to the Hosokawa clan. When Mitsuyasu, a member of the Hosokawa clan, decided he wanted the land for himself, he petitioned the government in Kyoto for it. He was granted his wish, and in 1590, Saien-ji Temple found its new home, right here where it stands today.
The main hall we see before us isn’t the original structure. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1788, it proudly displays the family crest of the Saionji family on its facade, a testament to its resilient history.
Inside the main hall, you’ll find a statue of Amida Buddha, but that’s not all. Look closely, and you’ll discover a wooden statue of Bishamonten crafted by the renowned sculptor Eshin Sozu. And that’s not the only treasure Saien-ji Temple safeguards. The Jizo Hall houses a statue of Jizo, a protector of children, that once stood at the Kudoku-in Temple, further linking Saien-ji to the historical tapestry of Kyoto.