Renge-ji

Renge-ji is a Buddhist temple in Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, characterized by a traditional garden design featuring a pond surrounded by maple trees. Carefully positioned stones in the water create reflective patterns that enhance the calm design of the temple grounds.

Originally founded as a Jishu sect temple at Shichijo Shiokoji, Renge-ji was rebuilt in 1662 by Chikayoshi Imae. Imae was a retainer of the Maeda clan who established the temple at its current location.

The bell tower houses a copper bell inscribed by the second patriarch of the Obaku school, which visitors can view today. Stone lanterns near the main hall continue to draw tea ceremony practitioners who seek meditative moments here.

Visitors reach the temple via the Eizan Electric Railway to Miyake Hachiman Station, followed by a seven-minute walk to the temple grounds. The route passes through a quiet residential neighborhood with well-marked signage.

The garden includes boat-shaped stones and turtle-head rocks in the pond that together form patterns following the Chinese character for water. This design connects symbolic calligraphy with natural landscape art.