Eihō-ji

Eihō-ji (永保寺) is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple located in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Founded in 1313 by the monk Jakuen (夢窓疎石), it belongs to the Myōshin-ji school of Rinzai Zen. The temple is renowned for its beautiful gardens and architecture, particularly its Kaisan-dō (Founder's Hall) and Kannondō (Kannon Hall), both of which are designated as National Treasures of Japan. These structures exemplify the architecture of the Kamakura period, blending Zen Buddhist and traditional Japanese styles.

Jakuen, also known as Musō Soseki, was a prominent Zen monk, garden designer, and advisor to the shogunate. His involvement in Eihō-ji's creation ensured its significance from the beginning. The temple's grounds feature a meticulously designed landscape garden, incorporating a pond, rocks, and carefully placed vegetation to promote meditation and contemplation. The setting utilizes the natural terrain to create a sense of harmony and tranquility.

Eihō-ji continues to be an active temple, offering meditation retreats and welcoming visitors interested in Zen Buddhism and Japanese garden design. The temple's historical and cultural significance, coupled with its serene atmosphere, makes it a popular destination for both Japanese and international tourists.