Shōsei-en Garden

Shōsei-en is a Japanese garden in Shimogyō district, Kyoto, designed around a central pond crossed by curved bridges. The grounds include several traditional wooden structures, gravel paths, and a dense stand of pine and maple trees.

Sennyo, head priest of Higashi Honganji Temple, had the grounds laid out in 1653 as his retirement residence. A major fire in 1858 destroyed most structures, which were rebuilt in the late 19th century.

The name Shōsei-en means "Garden of Verdant Ripples", drawn from a Chinese poem describing the wide lawns between waterways. Temple visitors today use the grounds as a place for contemplation, walking narrow paths between historic pavilions and ponds.

The entrance sits about a ten-minute walk east of the main train station, opening in the morning and closing in late afternoon. Autumn evenings occasionally feature special lighting events.

The grounds hold a small willow tree where tradition says Sennyo sat while writing sutras. Visitors can also spot remnants of a former brick wall from the Edo period that once enclosed the entire site.

Location: Shimogyō-ku

Inception: 1653

Founders: Sennyo

Part of: Higashi Hongan-ji

Website: http://english.higashihonganji.or.jp/tour/shosei-en

GPS coordinates: 34.99139,135.76322

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29