Guide
Kinfuku-ji is a temple of the Rinzai sect (Nanzen-ji school) located in the scenic Ichijoji area of Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. It was founded in 864 by following the wishes of Jikaku Daishi Nyoinin. Although the temple faced periods of decline throughout history, it was revitalized during the Edo period by the monk Tesshu. The temple is particularly renowned as a sacred site for haikai (haiku) culture due to its deep connections with the legendary poet Matsuo Basho and the later poet Yosa Buson, who followed in his footsteps.
The history of Kinfuku-ji stretches back to the early Heian period. While originally belonging to the Tendai sect, it later transitioned to the Rinzai sect. During its revival in the mid-Edo period, legends say that Matsuo Basho visited the site to discuss poetry and aesthetics with the monk Tesshu. Later, Yosa Buson, a great admirer of Basho, helped restore the