Special Experience
Kyoto
Special Temple Tour and Zazen Meditation at Kyoto’s Komyo-in, Called the "Rainbow Moss Temple"
Overview
Komyo-in is a sub-temple of the iconic Kyoto Zen temple Tofuku-ji. In this experience, you can tour its grounds with the chief priest as your guide. Take in the celebrated Hashintei garden, the work of a master landscape artist, alongside such other works of art as the painted sliding doors and wall scrolls. Next, seek tranquility of spirit in your zazen meditation while overlooking this celebrated garden. Finally, delight in a serene chat with the head priest over matcha tea and sweets.
Key Features
・Enjoy a special tour of the renowned Tofuku-ji sub-temple Komyo-in guided by its chief priest.
・Experience zazen meditation in the second-floor Kanteiro garden viewing room off the temple study, usually closed to the public.
・As an optional add-on, rent out the entire grounds after the temple closes for the day and enjoy zazen meditation by traditional Japanese candlelight.
Kyoto
from
¥28,000 /person
1 - 10 participants
80mins
Available in English
Cancel free up to 11 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 56,000
Details
Tofuku-ji Komyo-in Zen Temple: Ensconced in Tranquility, Beloved by Those in the Know
Tofuku-ji is emblematic of Kyoto Zen. Just a five minute walk south from its main gate Rokuharamon sit the gates of Komyo-in, a temple on a hill and one of Tofukuji’s 25 sub-temples, developed in 1391 under 70th Chief Priest Kinzan Minsho.
Beyond its central figure of the Buddha Shaka Nyorai, Komyo-in also houses an image of the tutelary goddess Marishisonten, known in India as Marici, a deva of good fortune whose true form is shimmering heat and light incarnate. This true form is fluid and incomprehensible, and she is said to be capable of advancing under any circumstances past any obstruction – making her a popular object of worship for military commanders and a goddess of warfare during the tumultuous Sengoku period (15th-16th centuries).
The Hashintei garden is one of Komyo-in’s main attractions: a dry landscape pond garden designed in 1939 by Mirei Shigemori, who is famous for an impressive body of garden designs including the world-famous Hojo Garden at Tofukuji Temple and Matsuo Taisha’s shrine garden.
The Hashintei features 48 large stones and three Buddhist scenes (the Shaka Triad, Amida Triad, and the Yakushi Triad) sitting upon white sands representing the seas, set against the dark backdrop of moss and trees whose contrast lends the garden an aura of profound Zen harmony.
The Beauty of the Hashintei, Microcosm of the Realm of Enlightenment
First you’ll take in the garden from the main hall, with commentary from the chief priest. The Hashintei is designed around the concept of “the Light of Hope,” or komyo, from which the temple derives its name. The use of immutable stone and sand as its central focal point surrounded by the living capriciousness of plant life is meant to symbolize core truths which remain vital and constant even in changing environments – invoked exquisitely even by the garden’s name, where hashin means “Undulating heart,” and tei means “garden.” Enjoy it from a variety of angles and let it speak to you.
The Hashintei is resplendent with seasonal colors, garnering it the nickname “Rainbow Moss Temple.” In early summer, the satsuki and tsutsuji azaleas reach full bloom, followed later in summer by the green maple leaves, then finally the rich hues of autumn foliage. During the monsoons, heavy rains form a pond atop the white sands, making the verdant moss that much more striking.
Feel free to pay a special visit to the Ragetsuan tearoom, situated on a hill overlooking the Hashintei.* The ragetsu in its name means “moon peeking through vines,” and the circular motif at its entrance is meant to invoke the image of the moon. This tearoom is not usually opened to the public, and it offers a little-seen view of the temple with the Kyoto skyline behind it.
*Since the Ragetsuan Tearoom is a short walk from the temple hall, it may be omitted from the itinerary due to weather or guest wishes.
Painted Sliding Doors and Other Works of Traditional Japanese Art
The Komyo-in structure itself is full of many architectural and artistic flourishes drawn from Zen symbolism. Windows come in circles, squares, and triangles. Other details evoke the shapes of gourds, catfish, and hearts. Discovering these motifs is part of the joy of walking its halls.
Learn all about the interplay between Zen philosophy and aesthetics, including the traditional techniques used to turn sliding doors into works of art and paint wall scrolls. The chief priest sees the temple as sitting at the fulcrum of a process unfolding since ancient times: “Living artists create the cultural heritage of succeeding generations, and one of our roles as a temple is to protect these and help hand them down.” To this end, the temple displays works by promising young artists such as its sliding doors by contemporary painter Yuta Niwa. The works on display change with the seasons, and visitors will likely encounter future treasures among them.
Zen Philosophy and Zazen Practice to Take Home with You
After your tour with the chief priest, you can learn Zen and experience zazen meditation in the second floor Kanteiro viewing room of the temple study, which is normally closed to the public. Learn how to sit, how to place your arms and legs, how to breathe, and how to prepare your mind for meditation. “For those fixated on their own thoughts,” says the chief priest, “the sounds of others nearby can be distracting or even annoying, but with a still heart you will discover the reality that these noises are no different from the calls of birds outside.”
The second floor offers a very different view of the Hashintei garden than the first, and with it comes a different atmosphere. Center yourself with zazen, and experience the sensation of seeing the world anew and with it the importance of perspective.
When the experience is finished, enjoy a free and open-ended chat with the chief priest over matcha tea and sweets. He hopes visitors can come face to face with themselves and enjoy their time here at leisure, and his hospitality is sure to soothe your mind.
The Quiet Heart of Zen
Exclusive to the Wabunka plan, enjoy the additional option of private after-hours access to the temple. Enjoy the sunset and the ethereal atmosphere there that follows.* Experience zazen meditation under the light of traditional Japanese candles and immerse yourself in the quiet tranquility of zen at night.
*Start time varies with the seasonal timing of sunset.
Deepen your understanding of Zen through this plan’s special tour and zazen meditation. “The Buddha always answers those whose hearts seek enlightenment,” says the chief priest. Find that yearning in your own heart during your blissful visit to Komyo-in.
Komyo-in Rinzai Sub-temple of Tofuku-ji Temple
Komyo-in Rinzai Sub-temple of Tofuku-ji Temple
Komyo-in is a sub-temple of the Tofuku-ji Rinzai sect, founded in 1391 by Kinzan Minsho. In the late 19th Century, during a period of reactionary anti-Buddhist policy across the country, part of the temple was destroyed and lay in ruins until a revival in 1911. The temple’s main garden Hashintei was created in 1939 by Mirei Shigemori, a master landscape artist. The temple enshrines both its principal image of worship, the Buddha Shaka Nyorai, as well as the tutelary goddess Marishisonten, also known as the deva Marici.
Customer's Voice
Perfect experience and a must do in kyoto. Temple is beautiful and peaceful. The monk and the interpreter are very very nice and was so charming to spend the afternoon with them. We loved every minute of it. Highly recommendable, thanks again!
S.M. Spain
Location
Komyo-in Rinzai Sub-temple of Tofuku-ji Temple
Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
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December 2024
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Additional Options
Private after-hours tour / person
JPY 14,300
0
Goshuin temple stamp / person
JPY 1,100
0
Experience fee
Minimum fee JPY 28000 × 2 participants
JPY 56,000
*Minimum: 2 participants; JPY 28,000 × 2 will be charged for bookings below the minimum.
Price may change after date is selected.
Additional options fee
Interpretation in English
JPY 0
Other
Service fee (5%)
JPY 2,800
Total Price
JPY 58,800
tax & service fee incl.
Extra charges may apply for the following
- ・Interpretation / Dependant on experience schedule and language
- ・Optional add-ons / Souvenirs, delivery, etc.
Kyoto
from
¥28,000 /person
1 - 10 participants
80mins
Available in English
Cancel free up to 11 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 56,000
Things to know
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