Ryōkō-in, Zen temple in Daitoku-ji complex, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Ryōkō-in is a Zen temple within the Daitoku-ji complex housing multiple buildings with rooms of varying sizes designed for meditation and contemplation. The spaces vary in their tatami-mat configurations and serve different purposes within Zen practice.
The temple was founded in 1606 as a memorial project by a feudal lord's son seeking to honor his father's memory through religious practice. This establishment reflected the historical importance of Zen temples as both spiritual and memorial spaces during that era.
The temple embodies the spirit of tea ceremony practice, with rooms specifically designed to reflect the aesthetic principles central to this ritual art form. Visitors can sense how this cultural practice shaped the temple's architectural choices and spatial arrangement.
The temple does not permit casual visits and instead runs a program of selected gatherings focused on teaching and practice. Interested visitors should inquire in advance about participation in the scheduled activities.
The tea room was designed by a renowned 17th-century architect known for creating spaces that balanced simplicity with refined craftsmanship. Few other tea rooms in Japan showcase the same level of architectural attention to detail from this particular master builder.
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