Toji-in Temple has two amazing gardens designed by Muso Soseki: The delicate west garden and the secluded east garden. When you sit in the tatami room, the bright and delicate west garden will be pleasing to the eyes. Go out and up the hill to see the view from beside the teahouse. It is nice to feel a bird’s-eye view, even though the garden itself is not really large. Then walk deeper into the part of the garden surrounded by a grove of trees. The path becomes narrow and the trees block your view, as if you are lost in the forest. Here you will find the east garden. As you make your dark way along the pond, you will suddenly find yourself at the bright west garden again, but from a different direction. It’s like a sonata garden!
- 1 min read
Kyoto Toji-in Temple
Muso Soseki’s garden sonata

Community writer

Dharma picture screen

A teahouse and pond in the west garden, viewed from behind the main building

Seiren-tei teahouse at the top of the hill

The pond, from the east garden

Beautiful moss garden scattered with petals

Shoebox and hanging bamboo hat

View from the top of the hill

From the tatami room

The east garden feels secluded

The path becomes narrow and the trees block your view

Stone bridge over the pond

Grave of Ashikaga Takauji (the first Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate)

Vivid pink camellias

Pink camellias on the moss-covered ground

The back corridor of the main hall
Leave a comment
0 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
Transit Guide: JBL Pass
Transportation -
2
Two of Asia's Coolest Neighborhoods Named in Tokyo
Tokyo -
3
World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2025: Where the City Becomes the Stage
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
4
Kyoto Station a Top Pick for Foodie Experiences
Kyoto -
5
Yamaguchi's Kozan Park
Yamaguchi -
6
6 Must-See Sakura Spots in Nikko
Tochigi -
7
Cherry Blossoms, Onsen, and Tochigi Cuisine in Oku-Nikko
Accommodation - Sponsored -
8
Garyu Sanso: An Architectural Masterpiece in Harmony with Nature
Ehime - Sponsored -
9
Japan Travel Ideas: Must-Sees and Hidden Gems
Culture -
10
Cherry Blossoms and Tuna Gourmet in Nachikatsuura
Wakayama - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
4
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
5
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
6
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
7
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
10
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture