Jōruri-ji

Jōruri-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kizugawa known for its traditional garden featuring a large central pond that connects an eastern pagoda to a western paradise hall. A stone bridge path leads across the water and allows visitors to move from one building to the other while viewing the garden from different angles.

Priest Gimyō Shōnin founded this temple in 1047, and over the following decades the buildings were moved to their current location to protect them from the dangers of military conflicts. The paradise hall was built in 1107 and marks a time when protective measures for religious sites became essential.

The nine seated Amida Buddha figures inside represent different stages of spiritual progress and were created from the belief that viewers could gain deeper insight into the teachings through meditation on each figure. The paradise hall continues to serve as a space for contemplation and shows the idea of a pure world beyond earthly existence in tangible form.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the paths through the garden can be uneven and it takes time to explore the different views of the buildings and pond. The temple is located somewhat away from the city center, so checking schedules in advance is advisable to avoid long waits on the return journey.

The garden pond follows the shape of the Sanskrit letter A, so the water surface carries symbolic meaning connected to beginning and end in Buddhist thought. Few visitors notice this subtle geometric design that transforms the entire site into a place of teaching.