Gyokusenji Temple can be visited year-round, but the garden is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season from mid-April, in early summer with hydrangeas, and among autumn foliage from late September to November. The temple is known as "the Temple of Flowers" because different blooms appear throughout the seasons. Even the seasonal sweet accompanying the green tea changes according to the season, making each visit unique.
Yes, Gyokusenji Temple offers Zazen meditation sessions. Sessions are held on the 8th of each month at 7:00 PM (800 yen) and the 4th Sunday of each month at 7:00 AM (1,500 yen). Advance reservations are required for both sessions. This provides an authentic opportunity to experience Zen Buddhist practices in the temple's serene setting.
You should allow at least one hour to fully enjoy the temple and garden without time restrictions. This gives you enough time to explore the temple buildings, stroll through the garden paths around the koi pond, enjoy matcha tea on the veranda while overlooking the garden, and venture into the surrounding hills where Buddhist statues and natural flora can be found.
Yes, Gyokusenji Temple offers free on-site parking for visitors arriving by car. A bridge from the modern parking lot spans a stream that can swell to dangerous speeds during the rainy season. Due to the temple's secluded location at the base of Mount Haguro, driving is often the most convenient way to reach it, especially compared to the 15-20 minute walk from the nearest bus stop.
The temple garden has been designated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty and was redesigned in 1640 in the traditional Chisen Kaiyu Horai style. Visitors can enjoy matcha green tea and Japanese sweets with a view of the garden from the temple veranda. Guests are encouraged to follow stepping stones and paths around the pond and into surrounding hills, where they may encounter solitary Buddhist statues, wild bamboo, and natural flora. The garden features meticulously placed rocks, a koi-filled pond, and carefully managed trees that create a circuit-style experience.
Beautiful temple complex; as someone who toured a decent amount of temple gardens in Kyoto, I can say that this is worth a visit because it’s above the average temple garden in Kyoto, if not well above. The highlight is that you can enter into the garden (most temples don’t allow that), and the garden is more extensive to explore on foot than what you see. The temple also houses a very handsome cat.
We are writing to express our heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome and exceptional hospitality we experienced at your temple. our time there, practicing Zen amidst the serene and beautiful surroundings, was truly meaningful.
Thank you for providing such a nurturing environment for spiritual growth and amazing meals. we carry the lessons and moments of peace with us. hope to see you soon, take care and warm regards
Gyokusenji Temple at the base of Mt. Haguro is simply the best spot for a cup of green tea in Shonai, or perhaps even Tohoku. The 400-year old national heritage gardens of Gyokusenji are the perfect backdrop to meditate or simply take in the Zen. Well worth the visit.
500yen entrance fee and 700 for the tea was not worth. There is nothing much to watch.
