Zuisen-ji Temple
Kanagawa Prefecture · Japan
Contents
7 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation1:42
Welcome to Zuisen-ji, a temple frequently referred to as Kamakura's 'Hidden Sanctuary.' Situated at the end of a quiet valley known as Momijigayatsu, or 'Maple Valley,' Zuisen-ji offers a masterclass in the Zen aesthetic of…
Listen in the app2The Rock Garden — Muso Soseki’s Vision1:28
The primary highlight of Zuisen-ji is the extraordinary rock garden located behind the main hall. Personally designed by Muso Soseki, this garden is a departure from the traditional Zen dry-landscape style (Karesansui) that uses…
Listen in the app3The Yagura — Sacred Caves for Zazen1:29
Adjacent to the rock garden are two distinctive cave-like structures known as Yagura. These are named Tenyodu and Zazen-kutsu (also called Hokkutsu). …
Listen in the app4The Temple of Flowers — A Year-Round Feast1:26
Zuisen-ji has earned the poetic nickname 'The Temple of Flowers' due to the incredible variety of seasonal blooms that grace its grounds. Muso Soseki’s aesthetic vision extended beyond stone and water to include the fleeting…
Listen in the app5The Dokumoku Jizo — A Lesson in Suffering1:19
On the temple grounds, one finds a poignant statue known as the Dokumoku Jizo, or the 'Pain-Relieving Jizo.' Jizo Bodhisattva is a beloved figure in Japanese Buddhism, often seen as the protector of children and travelers, but…
Listen in the app6Literary Monuments and Panoramic Echoes1:24
Zuisen-ji has long been a magnet for writers and intellectuals, a tradition that dates back to Muso Soseki himself, who was a celebrated poet. Scattered throughout the grounds are several literary monuments, including stones…
Listen in the app7Closing1:16
Our visit to Zuisen-ji Temple comes to a close as we retrace our steps down the wooded approach, leaving the Momijigayatsu valley behind. We have journeyed through a landscape that is both a physical marvel and a spiritual…
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What is Zuisen-ji Temple?
Zuisen-ji Temple is a place in Kanagawa Prefecture · Japan with 7 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Kanagawa Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 7 |
| Total length | 10 min 04 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.3268, 139.5753 |
| Last updated |
