Imagine stepping back in time eight hundred years to when Hōsen Temple was founded. Hōsen Temple stands as a serene testament to history and artistry. It offers visitors a chance to reflect on the past and appreciate the beauty of the present.
Originally, Hōsen Temple served as a priest’s quarters for the nearby Shōrin-in Temple. Shōrin-in Temple was established in 1013. It was renowned for its shōmyō musical Buddhist chanting. The architectural style you see today at Hōsen Temple dates back to the Muromachi Period. The buildings were reconstructed in the Edo Period.
Now, look up at the ceiling above us. These aren’t just ordinary wooden planks. They are blood-stained floorboards from Fushimi Castle. Over four hundred years ago a fierce battle occurred there. Torii Mototada defended the castle against overwhelming forces. He bought time for Tokugawa Ieyasu to gather his army. Rather than surrender, Torii and his soldiers committed ritual suicide. The blood-stained floorboards were then installed in several Kyoto temples. Hōsen Temple became a site for memorial services to honor the fallen warriors.
Let’s move towards the garden. Before you stretches a meticulously shaped pine tree. It is said to be 700 years old. The Goyo no Matsu is pruned to resemble Mount Ōmi-Fuji. This carefully crafted tree represents a harmonious blend of nature and human artistry. As you admire the pine, you will be served matcha tea and a small sweet. This is a chance to fully embrace the garden’s calming beauty.
Take a moment to find the suikinkutsu. It’s a water basin with bamboo poles sticking out. Put your ear to one of the poles. Do you hear the melodic sound? Water drips into cleverly constructed basins creating a soothing chime. This subtle yet enchanting feature highlights the Japanese appreciation for sound and tranquility.
Before we leave Hōsen Temple, let’s visit the Hōraku-en Garden. Descend the large stones to the garden below. Notice the raked gravel patterns and the swirl of rock slabs around the mossy stones. Camellias add vibrant splashes of red. This quaint garden offers a peaceful conclusion to our visit.
Hōsen Temple invites us to appreciate history, art, and nature. Its unique features, like the bloody ceilings and the melodic suikinkutsu, provide a multi-sensory experience. As we depart, carry with you the tranquility and the echoes of the past that resonate within these temple grounds.