Private Tour of a Rock Garden in a Historic Kyoto Temple—Includes Gyoza Meditation

Jissoin: A Temple with Deep Ties to the Imperial Family

In the Kyoto suburbs lies Iwakura, filled with nature and rich in historical temples and shrines. One such temple, Jissoin, has been overseen by regents and emperors as chief priests for generations. Due to its close connection with the imperial family, some of the emperor's homes were moved here. The temple also houses fusuma-e (sliding door paintings) by the Kano school, known for its official artworks for influential figures.

The Yotsuashimon front gate is a relocated remnant from the emperor's residence

Founded in 1229, Jissoin Temple relocated to Iwakura in 1474. Surviving wars, it safeguarded valuable Buddhist sculptures, ancient documents, and other cultural treasures. Its renowned stone and landscape gardens, framed by Mt. Hiei, are famous for cherry blossoms and autumn colors.

Yukamomiji (floor maple leaves) reflected on polished floorboards

Especially beautiful are the yukamidori and yukamomiji reflected on the floor of the guest hall, delighting visitors' eyes with vibrant hues of green foliage and red autumn leaves respectively.

Practicing Gyoza Meditation for Better Posture and Mind

You will first proceed to the shoin, a room typically closed to the public, showcasing the temple's prized hanging scrolls. Here, you will enjoy a Gyoza experience (similar to zazen meditation) linked to the Gautama Buddha, a revered temple artifact. This statue depicts Buddha in a state of emaciation after six years of asceticism, commonly referred to as Ascetic Buddha.

The Gautama Buddha, a temple treasure, is enshrined in a Buddhist altar crafted from palm nuts

Under the gaze of the Buddha, practice abdominal breathing and focus on posture and mindfulness. It is a moment to reflect inwardly and embrace a state of calm emptiness.

A moment of quiet self-reflection

Enjoying Matcha Tea and Seasonal Sweets

Following Gyoza meditation, you will be treated to matcha green tea and sweets. An experienced tea ceremony instructor will prepare the matcha right before you in a simplified manner.

The rich scent of matcha paired with the gentle sweetness of the treats will bring you comfort

If desired, you can also prepare your own matcha tea. Enjoy a special moment indulging in matcha and sweets while admiring the lovely garden view.

Cherish the moment of making matcha tea yourself

Temple and Gardens Guided Tour

During this experience, you will be guided through the temple by the steward of Jissoin Temple, who will provide commentary. As the temple will be specially kept open for you after hours, you can enjoy a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

The steward, knowledgeable in Jissoin Temple's history, has studied diaries kept by successive abbots

One of the gardens at Jissoin is called Kokoro-no-Oniwa. It is a dry landscape garden overseen by Kyoto-based gardener Katsuaki Ogawa. Created over two years starting in 2013, it involved public participation. The garden serves as a memorial to the Great East Japan Earthquake victims, resembling Japan's landscape with waves and mountains symbolizing its features.

Each mountain in Kokoro-no-Oniwa represents a different region of Japan, including Hokkaido and Honshu

The second garden features a Chisen Kaiyu-shiki-style landscape against a backdrop of mountains. The tranquil sounds of water and birdsong invite you to linger and savor the solitude of this serene space.

Japanese garden that makes the most of the beauty of nature

Exclusive Viewing of Upper Room and Fusuma Paintings

Another exceptional experience at Jissoin is the chance to admire numerous fusuma (sliding door) paintings by the Kano school, renowned for their work during the Edo period (1603-1868). Particularly notable is the Gunsenzu Fusuma in the main entrance hall, a masterpiece by Eikei Kano, the fourth generation of the Kano school in Kyoto.

Fusuma paintings in the upper room Jodan-no-Ma depict people repairing ships and vehicles

You will have the chance to enter the usually off-limits Jodan-no-Ma to see its interior sliding door paintings. Additionally, when the sliding doors of the nearby Taki-no-Ma are shut, you can glimpse a painting of a waterfall, from which the room gets its name. Take a moment to admire this precious artwork.

Normally open, the sliding doors of Taki-no-Ma reveal the completed waterfall painting when closed

Discover Court Culture and Cultural Treasures

In the past, the nobility would gather at Jissoin for waka poems and tea ceremonies. The temple has a rich connection to waka poetry. As a memento of your visit, you will receive an exclusive red seal featuring a Wabunka design showcasing the "Thirty-Six Immortals of Poetry," a group of Japanese poets of the of the Asuka, Nara, and Heian periods chosen during the mid-Heian period (794-1185).

Wabunka's exclusive red seal design

After a Gyoza meditation session and a deep dive into history, your senses may become heightened. Experience the lingering imperial court culture at Jissoin, in the unique tranquility of a space reserved just for you.