Crimson maple leaves guide your path. They lead you to a place where history whispers on the breeze. This is Joju-ji Temple. This Buddhist temple offers a serene escape in Kyoto’s Rakusai area.
Joju-ji was founded in 810 at Emperor Saga’s request. Monk Ennin, later known as Jikaku Daishi, established it. Initially a Tendai School temple, it became the Hamuro family’s spiritual site. The temple now belongs to the Obaku sect. This branch of Zen Buddhism has strong Chinese ties.
Look closely at Joju-ji’s buildings. You will notice Chinese influences. The Hondo main hall has a circular window. It was rebuilt in 1697.
The Hojo hall was once a samurai residence. Date Tsunamura, the 4th lord of the Sendai domain, lived here as a child. A hidden mechanism remains in the walls. This Samurai Hidden allowed discreet escapes.
Notice the small Japanese garden. It dates back to the Edo period. A pond sits at its center. The main Buddha here is Nyoirin Kannon.
Joju-ji stands south of Arashiyama. The landscape here is green and rural. The temple’s entrance has a stone stairway surrounded by maple trees. In autumn, the leaves turn a vibrant red. Joju-ji becomes a secret spot for momiji viewing.
Step inside the main hall. It enshrines a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Dharma Daishi is renowned for Zen meditation. He is enshrined to the left. Kannon watches over suffering people.
Look for the wooden fish called Kaipan. Obaku and Soto sect temples often have them. Priests strike these fish to signal meal times. Fish sleep with their eyes open. This symbolizes encouraging priests to train without sleep. The ball inside the fish’s mouth represents overcoming greed, hatred, and ignorance.
Zen temples often feature rock gardens. However, Joju-ji has an Ikemizu-style garden with actual water. Buildings align in a straight line. A small stone in the pond’s center is said to be Buddha’s tooth. It represents the temple’s origin.
Admire the painting of a dragon and clouds. Tanyu Kano, from the famous Kano school, created it. In Buddhism, Ryujin or Dragon God protects against fires. The rain Ryujin summons is known as the Rain of Salvation.
The Abbot’s Quarters belonged to Date Tsunamura. Ninja guards hid here. Escape holes are located through alcoves.
Joju-ji’s history extends to tea. The temple has deep ties with tea culture. Yellow Zen brought the culture of brewed tea to Japan. Even today, many tea trees grow here.
The path from the main gate is lined with Japanese maples. Two rare bamboo species also grow here. Shihhochiku is square bamboo. Its tender shoots are popular in autumn dishes. Kikkhochiku is tortoiseshell bamboo. Its stalks have bulges like a tortoise shell.
Joju-ji blends history, art, and nature. It offers a peaceful experience. Take a moment to reflect in this special place.