Rinzai-ji, Buddhist temple in Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
Rinzai-ji is a Rinzai Zen temple in Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, with a large hall built from dark timber and curved rooflines. The garden wraps around a pond, edged by low pines, stone lanterns, and stepping-stone paths that wind through moss and carefully trimmed greenery.
Imagawa Ujichika founded the compound in 1536 as his clan's family temple. Later, Tokugawa Ieyasu lived here as a hostage before rising to become shogun and unifying Japan.
The pond garden mirrors the Pure Land paradise as described in Buddhist teachings. Visitors follow winding paths and experience the grounds as walking meditation, where each step reveals a different view of water and stone.
The grounds open only twice each year in spring around May 19 and in autumn around October 15 for public visits. A small parking area is available but may fill quickly during opening days.
Inside stand wooden statues of Imagawa Yoshimoto, Ujichika, and the strategist Taigen Sessai, resting together on shelves behind the altar. Calligraphy scrolls from the Edo period hang on the walls, carrying verses written by monks centuries ago.
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