Shinsen'en Garden

Overview

Shinsen'en Garden was created almost concurrently with the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyō in 794 AD (Enryaku 13), situated south of the Imperial Palace. It's believed to have been developed around a remaining pond from the ancient Kyoto Lake (Furuyamasijo Lake). Originally, it was a large garden encompassing an area from Nijō-dōri Street to Sanjō-dōri Street – approximately 500 meters north-south and 240 meters east-west, centered around a pond (present-day Hōjōjū Pond). The earliest record of its name appears in the *Nihon Ryaku* chronicle, mentioning Emperor Kanmu's visit on July 19th, 800 AD. Records indicate that elegant banquets were held there from around 802 AD, suggesting it became a venue for imperial and courtly gatherings. The *Nihon Kokushi* also records Emperor Saga hosting a "Hanaen no Seki" (flower viewing banquet) at Shinsen'en in 812 AD, which is considered the earliest recorded cherry blossom viewing event. The pond in Shinsen'en, said to be home to a dragon god (Zennyo Ryūō), never dried up regardless of the season or drought. In 824 AD (Tenchō 1), Shūmin of Saiji Temple and Kūkai of Tōji Temple competed in a rain-making ritual, invoking Zennyo Ryūō from the Munetanchi in India; Kūkai emerged victorious. The site later became a rain-making dojo under the jurisdiction of Tōji Temple, a branch of the Shingon sect. Shinsen'en offers a tranquil space where history and nature harmoniously coexist, perfect for those seeking respite from the city's hustle and bustle.