The garden is a designated Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government.
It was originally constructed as a sato-bo, a residence for high-ranking monks who had retired from the rigors of Mount Hiei.
The garden is modeled after the scenic beauty of the Eight Views of Omi.
The interior lacquer tables are frequently used by photographers to capture symmetrical reflections of the garden greenery.
The site uses a 'borrowed scenery' technique to integrate the slopes of Mount Hiei into the background of the garden layout.
The Former Chikurin-in Temple is a historic site in the Sakamoto district of Otsu, formerly serving as a retreat for the monks of Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei. The estate is celebrated for its expansive circular garden, designed according to the Shakkei principle, which incorporates the surrounding mountain scenery into the landscape. Visitors explore a historic shoin-style building connected to tea rooms overlooking moss-covered grounds. The garden features a clear stream diverted from the mountain, flowing through stone arrangements and mature maple trees. Reflections on the polished black lacquer tables inside the temple rooms are a signature feature of the site. The architecture represents a classic example of aristocratic villa design from the Edo period. The property maintains its status as a garden-centric cultural site, emphasizing quiet observation and seasonal transitions. It sits at the base of Mount Hiei, offering a stark contrast to the nearby expansive lake region.
The reflection of the garden in the black lacquer table inside the main room.
Bring a pair of clean socks, as you will be required to remove your shoes when entering the wooden temple buildings.
Check the light levels before taking photos, as the interior reflections on the tables depend heavily on the angle of sunlight.
Visit during the early morning to avoid the largest tour groups and enjoy the silence of the moss garden.
Do not attempt to walk on the moss patches; remain strictly on the designated paths.
Closed on Mondays, or the following day if Monday is a public holiday; also closed during the year-end and New Year period.
Remove shoes at the entrance, keep voices low, and do not touch the historic sliding doors or lacquer surfaces.
