Kanchi-in Temple
- Published on : 08/06/2019
- by : Japan Experience
- Youtube
Kanchi-in Temple (観智院) in Kyoto is a sub-temple of Toji. It dates from 1359 and contains two ink paintings by the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
Kanchi-in Temple, Kyoto 観智院
The Kuri or living quarters and kitchen of the monks at Kanchi-in Temple in Kyoto 
Stone garden at Kanchi-in Temple, Kyoto
Kanchi-in Temple in south Kyoto is a sub-temple of the larger and more famous Toji Temple.
Walk north over a narrow moat from Toji and you will arrive at this small temple. It is famous for its exquisite gardens and an ink painting by the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
Garden, Kanchi-in Temple, Kyoto 
Kongo-zo Treasure House, Kanchi-in Temple, Kyoto
History
Kanchi-in was established in the 14th century (1359) by Goho, a follower of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi.
Goho was a scholar who authored the Toboki (東宝記), a history of Toji Temple.
Although the temple began in the Muromachi Period of Japanese history nothing survives from that time. The buildings we can see today date from the Edo Period and later.
The temple was meant as housing and a study center for the monks at Toji.
The Kyaku-den Hall which looks out over the stone garden and a tea house dates from 1605 and is classified as a National Treasure.
Within is the main image (honzon) of the temple, the Five Major Kokuzo Bosatsu. These are the so-called "Wisdom Buddhas" seated on various mythical beasts. These Buddhas are of great importance in Shingon and are also the patrons of artisans and crafts people.
Ju-san Mairi
The temple is also of importance for the Ju-san mairi festival (十三参り). This is when 13 year old boys and girls attend a temple or shrine to pray for wisdom and good fortune. The temple's association with learning make for its attraction for this festival.
The two ink paintings by Miyamoto Musashi can be seen in an inner room with tatami mats. One depicts eagles about to attack (鷲の図) and the other a bamboo forest (竹林の図) on the sliding doors (fusuma). Legend has it that Miyamoto stayed here after the duel at Ichijoji Sagarimatsu.
The garden at Kanchi-in was renewed in 2017; pictured are the Rokujizoson (Six Jizo)
Kanchi-in Temple in south Kyoto is a sub-temple of Toji Temple
Kanchi-in Access - how to get to Kanchi-in Temple
From Kyoto Station, take a Karasuma Line train of the Kyoto subway one stop south to Kujo Station.
Kyoto buses #202, #207, #208 and #19 pass by the main entrance to Toji Temple.
Kanchi-in Temple
403, Kujo-cho, Minami-ku
Kyoto, 601-8473
Tel: 075 691 1131
Hours: 9 am - 5 pm (last entry 4.30 pm); admission: 500 yen for adults.
Roof, Kanchi-in Temple, Kyoto
Cross this moat from Toji to reach Kanchi-in Temple in south Kyoto
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