Kourin-in Temple

Overview

Kourin-in Temple is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple belonging to the Daitoku-ji school located in Daitokuji-machi, Kita-ku, Kyoto. It is a sub-temple (tatchū) of the main Daitoku-ji Temple. Founded by Yoshihiro Hatakeyama, the Shugo Daimyo (provincial governor) of Noto Province, during the Daiei period (1521-1528), it was named Kourin-in after his posthumous Buddhist name. Since then, it has served as the family temple of the Noto Hatakeyama clan. The main hall, a beautiful example of Muromachi-period architecture, is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The main hall features an irimoya-zukuri style roof with hinoki-gawa (thin cypress bark) shingles and a tokonoma (alcove) said to be the first of its kind in Japan. While it once boasted fusuma (sliding doors) paintings by renowned artists such as Kano Motonobu and Tosa Mitsunobu, these were lost during the turmoil of the late Edo period and Meiji Restoration. Currently, the fusuma paintings are by Muraishi Beisai, a sumi-e painter from Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture. The kare-sansui garden in front of the hōjō (abbot's quarters) was restored in 1978 (Showa 53) based on historical documents following the dismantling and repair of the hōjō. Featuring white gravel and rock formations, it depicts an idealized paradise (Horai) and draws you into a world of tranquility. Kourin-in Temple also houses the tea room "Kankyo-tei," donated by Yamaguchi Gendō in 1928 (Showa 3). Named after a poem by Su Shi (Su Tung-po), this tea room is a four-and-a-half mat room (yot-jo-dai-me) in the style favored by Oribe Furuta, featuring added sumiita (corner boards). Its tokonoma, with a projecting partition, resembles a cave, hence the name "dōshoma" (cave alcove). Kourin-in Temple offers a harmonious blend of history and nature, a place to experience tranquility and beauty. With its stunning main hall showcasing Muromachi-period architecture, a serene karesansui garden, and the unique Kankyo-tei tea room, there is much to see. When visiting Daitoku-ji Temple, be sure to visit Kourin-in Temple as well.