Gyokurin-in, Zen Buddhist temple in Daitoku-ji complex, Kyoto, Japan
Gyokurin-in is a Zen temple within the Daitoku-ji complex featuring traditional rooms with tatami mats and wooden sliding doors. These spaces connect directly to gardens arranged with carefully placed stones, sand, and vegetation that extend the sense of the interior outward.
The temple was established in 1603 during a period of expansion for the larger Daitoku-ji complex. This founding coincided with an era when Zen practice and artistic traditions were flourishing in Kyoto.
The temple reflects garden design traditions that developed centuries ago and remain visible in how space is arranged today. Visitors can observe how plants, water features, and open areas work together to create a sense of order and contemplation.
Access to the temple requires entering through the larger Daitoku-ji complex in the Kita-ku district, so check in advance which areas are open to visitors. Morning visits tend to be less crowded than later hours, making it easier to move through the gardens at your own pace.
The temple was originally created as a personal retreat by a notable physician of that era and designed with artistic intent from the start. This careful planning is evident in the way windows frame views, how pathways guide movement, and how light falls through the spaces throughout the day.
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