“A temple that promotes learning? How curious” a young student might have wondered back in 1601. Right here, where you stand now, stood Enkoji Temple. Yet, it wasn’t always in this tranquil corner of Kyoto. It began its journey much further south, in Fushimi, under the patronage of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Imagine Enkoji Temple not as a place of hushed reverence, but as a bustling hub of intellectual pursuit. Ieyasu, a pragmatic leader, envisioned Enkoji as more than just a temple. He dreamed of a place where knowledge would flow freely, open to monks and everyday citizens alike. This dedication to scholarship is evident in Enkoji’s history. The temple was a prolific publisher in the 17th century, producing numerous books. Amazingly, the original wooden printing blocks, over 50,000 of them and the oldest of their kind in Japan, are still carefully preserved within Enkoji’s walls. However, Enkoji’s journey wasn’t over. In 1667, the temple was relocated to its current serene location, nestled at the foot of Mount Hiei. Though its role as a major publishing house may be in the past, Enkoji still stands as a testament to Tokugawa Ieyasu’s vision – a beacon of knowledge and tranquility in the heart of Kyoto. As you explore the temple grounds, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of learning that permeates Enkoji.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to