Konchiin Temple

Konchi-in is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple of the Nanzen-ji school located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. It was founded during the Ōei period (1394–1428) by the monk Daigyō Oshō in the Kitayama area, and was later relocated to its present site in the early Keichō era by Ishin Sūden as a sub-temple of Nanzen-ji. Ishin Sūden was a powerful monk who served as a political and diplomatic advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu, is said to have drafted the Buke Shohatto (Laws for the Military Houses), and held the highest clerical rank of Tenka Sōroku-shi. Reflecting his influence, the temple buildings and garden are lavishly designed. The raised chamber of the abbot’s quarters features a tokonoma alcove, staggered shelves, a built-in desk, and an ornate coffered ceiling. The sliding-door paintings depict a bamboo fence adorned with chrysanthemums, cranes, peonies, plum blossoms, and pine trees, and are traditionally attributed to Kanō Tan’yū and his younger brother Naonobu. The tea room called "Hassō-no-seki" (Eight-Window Seat) and the garden were designed by Kobori Enshū. The garden is the only Enshū-designed garden supported by definitive historical documentation and is designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Beyond the expanse of white sand are arranged Crane Island and Tortoise Island, with Hōrai Island placed at the center. Konchi-in is about a 5-minute walk (approximately 500 meters) from Keage Station, and is conveniently located near Nanzen-ji and Eikan-dō, making it an ideal stop on a Kyoto temple sightseeing route.