Former Chikurinin Garden

Overview

The Former Chikurinin Garden is a Japanese garden designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the national government, located in Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Situated southwest of the former Chikurinin temple grounds, one of the sub-temples of Enryaku-ji Temple, it covers an area of 3,300 square meters, making it the largest among the sub-temple gardens. Designed as a pond-style strolling garden, it incorporates the Omiya River as a meandering stream and uses Mount Hachioji as a backdrop. The garden features a waterfall, artificial hills, a teahouse, and a gazebo, creating a tranquil space where visitors can appreciate the beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. While originally built as a garden in front of the sub-temple's study hall in the early Edo period, Chikurinin declined due to the *haibutsu kishaku* movement at the beginning of the Meiji period, and the land passed into private hands. The garden was then renovated to its present form and designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty as a modern garden. In recent years, reflection photography using a low table placed in the garden has become popular, attracting many tourists. The Former Chikurinin Garden is a peaceful and beautiful space where history and nature harmoniously coexist. Why not spend some relaxing time strolling through its tranquil pathways?