The garden's name, 'Shishiku-no-niwa,' translates to 'Lion's Roar Garden,' referencing a Buddhist term for the power of the Buddha's teachings.
The garden is famous for the 'Lion Rock,' a large stone naturally shaped like a crouching lion.
Hogon-in was originally established in the Muromachi period as a temple for the Zen master Seikei Jokin.
The temple features a specific garden area designed to represent the concept of 'En' or human connection.
Hogon-in is a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji, renowned for its 'Shishiku-no-niwa' garden, which utilizes the borrowed scenery of Arashiyama. The garden is designed as a kaiyu-shiki (stroll-style) garden featuring large natural rocks and a dry landscape section. The temple was originally founded in 1461 by Hosokawa Yoriyuki. It was relocated to its current site within the Tenryu-ji complex in 2002. The temple grounds contain a notable collection of maple trees, which are a primary draw during the autumn foliage season. Visitors can view the sliding door paintings by contemporary artist Tamura Noryu, depicting modern interpretations of traditional subjects.
The view from the main wooden veranda looking out over the moss-covered garden and maple trees.
Wear comfortable, slip-on shoes as you will be required to remove them when entering temple buildings.
Visit during the early morning to avoid the densest crowds coming from the nearby Bamboo Grove.
Check the official website for special evening illumination dates, which occur seasonally.
Do not attempt to walk through the temple grounds as a shortcut to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove; it is a ticketed area.
The temple follows seasonal opening patterns, typically closed for portions of the winter and summer months; check the website for specific public opening windows during spring and autumn.
Remove shoes before entering the temple interior; maintain silence; do not photograph indoor wall paintings unless explicitly permitted by signage.
