Komyoin, One Of My Favorite Places In Kyoto

Komyoin, which is located very close to Tofukuji, was built in the 14th century as a sub temple of Tofukuji.

To tell the truth, I want to keep this temple secret...

So many people enjoy visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine or Tofukuji temple, however, few people have noticed how quiet and peaceful place Komyoin is. You will be impressed with its serenity if you visit there after walking around Fushimi Inari among so many people.

Its rock garden, 'Hashin-no-niwa' was built in 1939 by a famous garden designer, Shigemori Mirei.  In the garden, 75 rocks are arranged on a velvet-like moss and white pebbles meaning the ocean.

Small stones which are along the arrow of white pebbles indicate splash of seawater. The name of the garden, 'Hashin-no-niwa' tells 'We can see the moon on the surface of water when we have no clouds.'  If you have no ambivalence in your mind, you can find the Buddhist teachings on the surface of water, like the moon.

You will see that this temple is called 'Moss temple in rainbow' ('Niji no Kokedera' in Japanese).

Please don't tell your friends about this temple... This is my secret temple!