Step through the weathered wooden gate and into the serene embrace of Jikishi-An, a hidden temple nestled in the lush hills of Sagano. The temple stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Obaku Zen, its foundations laid in 1646 by the Zen monk Dokusho. The temple’s name, Jikishi-An, means “direct pointer to the heart,” a nod to its origins as a hermitage.
Time has woven its magic around Jikishi-An. The main hall boasts a charming reed-thatched roof. Bamboo groves rustle softly, offering whispers of tranquility. Aiai Jizo statues, known for their power to bring luck in marriage, stand silently amongst the vibrant foliage. The temple grounds are a tapestry of beauty throughout the year, with camellias, cherry blossoms, and rhododendrons gracing the spring.
But Jikishi-An harbors a secret. Before the Edo period, it fell into decline, leaving only Dokusho’s grave untouched. Tsusaki Muraoka, an elderly woman from the Konoe family, rebuilt the temple, transforming it into a Jodo sect temple. Jikishi-An became a haven for women seeking solace, a place for them to find peace and practice Zen meditation. Today, it remains a poignant reminder of the enduring power of faith and the enduring legacy of ObakuZen, silently guarding its secrets in the heart of Kyoto’s historic landscape.