A hush falls over the bustling city as we approach the revered Sesshuji Temple. Right here in the tranquil heart of Kyoto, Sesshuji Temple stands as a testament to the enduring power of history and spirituality. Sesshuji Temple, also known as Funda-in Temple, is nestled within the much larger Tofukuji Temple complex.
Founded in 1321, Sesshuji Temple holds a special place in Japan’s artistic and spiritual heritage. While the temple we see today dates back to 1899, its origins are deeply rooted in the Muromachi Period. The temple was once the esteemed family temple of the Ichijo clan. It’s believed that the renowned ink-painter and garden designer, Sesshu Toyo, himself designed one of the temple’s two exquisite gardens. This garden, the Southern Garden, is known as the “Garden of a Crane & a Turtle”. It draws inspiration from Chinese mythology and features elements symbolizing longevity and wisdom. The “Tsurujima” island, representing a paper crane, and the two-tiered “Kamejima”, symbolizing a turtle, are arranged thoughtfully within the garden’s serene landscape. This garden is particularly special as it’s considered one of the oldest dry landscape gardens in Kyoto.