Chishakuin Temple (智積院)

Chishakuin Temple in Kyoto is the head temple of the Chizan School of Shingon Buddhism. Originally it was in Wakayama Prefecture as one of the sub-temples of the Daidenpoin Temple. Later it was rebuilt in Kyoto in 1598 after a war.

Garden

Chishakuin Temple has a famous pond garden facing the Daishoin (main drawing room). This garden is “Rikyu’s favorite garden” and is a combination of power, serenity, and splendor. It might be modeled after the Chinese mountain Lushan.

Chishakuin Garden

Screen paintings

The Chishakuin Temple in Kyoto is home to a National Treasure of Japan, the screen paintings created by the Hasegawa Ichimon. The Hasegawa Ichimon were a family of painters active from the Muromachi period to the early Edo period. They are especially famous for their wall paintings.

The screen paintings in this temple were painted by Hasegawa Tohaku (Hasegawa Tohaku-sai) and others during the Keicho era (1596-1615) in the early Edo period. The paintings are on display in the Treasure House.

Replica of screen paintings, Chishakuin
Replica of screen paintings

Temple’s official WEB site

Nearby spots from Chishakuin Temple

Yogen-in Temple has a blood ceiling and cedar door and sliding door paintings by Sotatsu Tawaraya that are a must-see.

Sanjusangendo

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  3. […] Chishakuin Temple, head temple of Chizan School, features a renowned pond garden and houses National Treasure screen paintings. […]