Taizo-in Temple

Taizo-in is a small Zen Buddhism temple located in northwestern Kyoto on the quiet and spacious grounds of Myoshin-ji. Taizo-in is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Kyoto.

The temple of Taizo-in has been popular for more than 600 years. Its appeal stems from each and every one of its unique treasures - the dry landscape garden by Kano Motonobu; Josetsu's masterpiece, Hyonenzu ("Catching a Catfish with a Gourd"), one of Japan's oldest surviving ink paintings; the Yoko-en (a pond-and-stroll-style garden) and a suikinkutsu, a wash basin in which drops of water echo clearly in a hidden underground chamber. These historic treasures will fascinate all visitors to the temple.

It is one of the few Buddhism temples in Kyoto to offer real Zen culture to the international visitor. Here you can experience Zen meditation, tea ceremony, calligraphy and shojin ryori (zen cuisine) - simple vegetarian cooking.

Visit the Taizo-in Temple website which is available in English and Japanese.

www.taizoin.com