Jozan Ishikawa became a hermit and a poet, and retired amongst the manicured gardens of Shisendo, which he constructed after falling out with the Shogun in 1641. The immaculate and intimate gardens, which are far from the maddening crowd, feel more like a home than a temple garden. You walk through the rustic bamboo gates through a rocky path, and the gardens slowly reveal themselves to you, a moment at a time. The viewing room is called Shisen no ma, a room of poetry, reflecting the poet’s desire to be one with nature. The name Shisendo means the Hall of Immortal Poets. To take in the stillness and tranquility, turn off your camera and smartphone, and be one with this masterpiece of nature and landscaping. It is visually mesmerizing in every season, but particularly in May and November with the seasonal colors.
Shisendo, which is also known as Jozan-ji is just under ten minutes by foot from the Ichijo sagarimatsu cho bus stop. Route 5 from Kyoto station makes the long climb to this stop past Sanjo Station, while route Kita 8 gets you here faster from Kitaoji Subway Station. You can also take a 15 minute walk from Ichioji Eizan railway station. It is open daily with the exception of 23rd of May, from 9 am to 17 pm. Admission fees are 500 yen for adults.
