Raikyuji Temple

Raikyuji Temple (頼久寺, Raikyūji), a tranquil Zen Buddhist temple in the historic town of Takahashi, offers visitors a profound connection to Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage. As a significant site of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, the temple is historically important as the former residence of the renowned feudal lord Kobori Enshu. Kobori, a master of architecture, garden design, and the tea ceremony, left a lasting legacy in shaping Japan's aesthetic and cultural identity during the Edo period. His expertise extended to the design of some of Japan’s most famous castles and gardens, including Nagoya Castle and Sumpu Castle, cementing his role as an influential figure in Japan’s cultural landscape.

At Raikyuji Temple, the highlight is Kobori Enshu’s meticulously designed dry garden, where symbolic elements, such as islands representing a crane and a turtle—both symbols of longevity and good health—create a serene and meaningful landscape. The garden’s design incorporates the concept of borrowed scenery, another hallmark of Kobori’s work, where the surrounding natural beauty is integrated into the garden’s composition. While visitors can admire the garden from the temple, direct entry is not permitted, preserving the sanctity of the space. The temple and its garden offer a rare opportunity to experience the harmonious blend of Zen philosophy and the refined principles of Japanese garden aesthetics.