Explore the Jōdo-style garden at Jōruri-ji Temple, a breathtaking example of a Buddhist vision of paradise. Discover how the garden integrates temple buildings and Buddhist statues into the landscape, allowing you to feel the religious and philosophical ideals embedded within.

At the heart of the garden is a tranquil pond. On its eastern side stands a pagoda housing a Buddha believed to reside in the Eastern realm. Across the pond on the western side sit nine statues of Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of the Western Pure Land—unchanged for over a thousand years.

These statues and their spatial arrangement faithfully represent the imagery of the Buddhist scriptures. When you step into this garden, you are stepping into a carefully constructed vision of the Pure Land—a sacred space brought to life.

Such immersive Pure Land gardens were popular in Japan more than a millennium ago, but Jōruri-ji is the only one that still retains its original layout and vision to this day.

This unforgettable tour will be led by an experienced guide. The temple is located on the border between Kyoto and Nara—not the easiest place to reach on your own. But your guide will smoothly escort you from the nearest station all the way to the temple gates.