Step through the Omote-mon gate, the grand entrance to Reiun-in temple, and immediately feel a shift in your mood. The lively hum of Kyoto fades away, replaced by the peaceful silence of the gardens. Reiun-in, a sub-temple of the renowned Tofuku-ji, is a hidden gem tucked away in Higashiyama Ward.
This serene temple boasts a rich history. Founded in 1390 during the Muromachi period by the 80th chief priest of Tofuku-ji, Hoshu Kiyo, it was initially called Funin-an. The name was later changed to Reiun-in, reflecting “holy clouds”. This tranquil space has witnessed significant moments in Japanese history.
As you venture deeper, a striking feature emerges: the Karesansui garden, known as Kusen-hakkai-no-niwa. This meticulously designed rock garden, rebuilt in 1970 by the prominent garden designer Mirei Shigemori, represents a Buddhist worldview: nine mountains and eight seas surrounding Mount Sumeru. The garden’s centerpiece is a large stone named Iai-seki. This “relic stone”, gifted by Tadatoshi Hosokawa, embodies Mount Sumeru, the sacred dwelling of Buddha. The white sand, symbolizing the boundless oceans, creates a mesmerizing contrast with the moss-covered mounds, representing mountains.
Just steps away, a smaller garden, Gaun-no-niwa, created by Shigemori in 1971, is characterized by white and red sand. Its name, “bowing clouds”, evokes a sense of serenity and the fleeting nature of life.
Reiun-in is a testament to the intricate beauty of Zen Buddhism. It invites you to pause, reflect, and immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of its gardens.