Zuien-ji, Buddhist temple in Shibuya, Japan.
Zuien-ji is a Buddhist temple in Shibuya with extensive gardens where natural rock formations, stone arrangements, and water areas are organized according to classical Zen principles. The buildings follow traditional Japanese architecture and connect with the landscape design to form a unified whole.
The temple was founded in 1327 by the Buddhist priest Muso Soseki and ranks among the respected temples of the Kanto region. It represents the Zen tradition that spread through eastern Japan during this period.
The gardens show Japanese ideas about harmony between people and nature, with visitors using the carefully arranged stones and water as places for quiet thought. These spaces invite you to pause and notice the surroundings with care.
The site is reachable by public transportation, with the nearest stop about a 15-minute walk away. Comfortable shoes are helpful since exploring the gardens involves walking on natural ground paths.
The place changes its appearance with the seasons, when plum trees bloom in spring, lotus flowers appear in summer, and maple trees turn red in autumn. These shifts make each visit feel like a different experience.
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