Raikyū-ji, Buddhist temple in Takahashi, Japan
Raikyū-ji is a Zen temple in Takahashi featuring a dry stone garden before the main hall where carefully placed stones depict a turtle and islands amid ocean waves. The garden unites stone craft with views of surrounding hills in a balanced composition.
The temple was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji as an official Ankoku-ji temple to honor those who died in the Genko War. This establishment rooted the place in the region's religious landscape and gave it lasting purpose.
The garden merges dry stone composition with the natural landscape of surrounding hills, displaying design principles that visitors can experience today. The stone arrangement reflects traditions that shape how people interact with this space.
The temple sits about 15 minutes from Bitchu Takahashi Station and opens from 9:00 to 17:00. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since exploring the garden is done on foot.
Two stone formations in the garden have been known as Crane and Tortoise since 1609, representing symbols of longevity. These formations have kept their original positions across hundreds of years.
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