Chishakuin Temple (智積院)

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

Chishakuin Garden

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

Screen paintings of Chishakuin

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, and are especially known for their wall paintings.

The screen paintings in Chishakuin 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 Chishakuin Treasure House.