Omi Kofu-an Temple

Overview

Omi Kofu-an Temple is a Rinzai Zen temple belonging to the Daitoku-ji school, known as the temple commemorating Kobori Enshu. Enshu is renowned as one of Japan's three great tea masters, along with Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe. His philosophy of tea ceremony is said to be reflected in the temple's garden. Komuro Castle's second lord, Sokei, invited the priest Soenkei from Kyoto's Daitoku-ji Temple in the early Edo period to establish the temple. The garden features a simple dry landscape rock garden south of the main hall and a pond garden with strolling paths to the east. It's designated as a prefectural scenic spot. Designed to utilize the natural terrain, it's said to emulate the views of the Eight Views of Omi. Azaleas bloom beautifully in spring, and fiery autumn leaves in fall, offering a unique charm in every season. Why not spend some time relaxing in this tranquil atmosphere? Omi Kofu-an Temple is located slightly outside Nagahama city center, but there are historical tourist spots nearby, such as Otani Castle and the site of the Battle of Anegawa. It's a captivating destination where you can enjoy both history and nature.