Koutoin Temple

Kotoin is one of the sub-temples (tacchu) of Daitoku-ji in Kita Ward, Kyoto City. It was founded in 1601 (Keicho 6) by Hosokawa Tadaoki (Sansai) as a memorial temple for his father, Hosokawa Yusai. As befitting the cultured Hosokawa family, the grounds convey a refined atmosphere. The shoin (study hall) was relocated from Sen no Rikyu’s residence and is called ‘Ihokuken.’ Tadaoki was deeply versed in tea culture and is known as one of the ‘Rikyu Seven Sages’; the temple has two tea rooms. One is the ‘Ho-o’ tea room, favored by Urasenke’s Ennosai; in its front garden is a tsukubai basin said to have been brought back from Korea by Kato Kiyomasa. The other is ‘Shoko-ken,’ a small, dark-walled, Rikyu-style tea room arranged to Sansai’s taste, giving it a meditative feel. South of the main hall is the ‘Maple Garden,’ planted only with maples amid moss; it is especially beautiful in autumn and draws many visitors. The cemetery contains the graves of Tadaoki and his wife, Hosokawa Gracia. From the city bus stop ‘Kenkun-jinja-mae,’ walk about 3 minutes; go north at the corner by a pickle shop and you will see Kotoin’s front gate.