Five minutes by car from Gero Onsen, or one stop by train, is Zenshoji, a Zen temple noted to be the most beautiful of the Hida area. It is famous for its garden which was created by Sowa Kanamori, founder of the Sowa school of tea ceremony. And, for a painting, the 'Happo Nirami Daruma', by the artist, Sesshu. The origin of Zenshoji dates back to a hermitage built by Priest Genshin during the Heian Period. When visiting, do not miss the 1,200 year old cedar tree, which is designated as a National Natural Monument.
- 1 min read
Zenshoji - Impressive Zen Temple
A memorable historic site near Gero Onsen
By Sandra Isaka
Community writer
Join the discussion
Kim Bergström
2 years ago
What a stunning place! Would love to see that historic tree in person!
Justin Velgus
10 years ago
Great pics. I have a question though. Your pic of "remnants of ancient Japanese civilization," did you by chance learn what used to be there? Being a temple with a history connected to art and tea, it is fun to think of what was once there.
Good question. The ruins date back to the Jomon period. The stone area photographed may have been used for some sort of religious ceremony.
3 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Kamenoi Hotel Nachi-Katsuura and Wakayama Sightseeing
Wakayama - Sponsored -
2
Experience the Sea’s Blessings in Minamisanriku
Miyagi -
3
Seaweed and Sightseeing in Iwate
Iwate -
4
Enjoy Chikuwa Fish Cakes in Aomori City
Aomori -
5
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
6
Getting to Know Hitachinaka’s Seafood Heritage
Ibaraki -
7
Kura Sushi at 2025 Osaka Expo
Osaka - Sponsored -
8
Getting to Know Choshi’s Seafood Heritage
Chiba -
9
A Deep Dive Into Iwaki’s Kamaboko Fish Cakes
Fukushima -
10
Ginzan Onsen Caps Visitor Numbers This Winter
Yamagata
-
1
Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
2
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
6
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
9
Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
Tokyo -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa