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Hojo Garden / Chion-in temple
The Hojo Garden at Chion-in Temple is one of the beautiful gardens at Chion-in Temple, the head temple of the historic Jodo sect in Kyoto. This garden was created in the early Edo period (1603-1868), and is a fusion of elements of karesansui (dry landscape garden) and kaiyushiki (pond garden) that strongly reflects the philosophy of Zen. Within the garden, stone masonry, moss-covered rocks, and skillfully arranged plantings provide a beautiful seasonal scene. This garden was created as an adjunct garden to the Hojo, the resident priest's living space. The garden is said to have been created by Enshu Kobori, a master gardener of the Edo period, whose refined aesthetic sense can be felt everywhere. The pond garden is designed to harmonize with the surrounding nature, with the surface of the water spreading out in a tranquil setting. The karesansui section uses white sand and stones to symbolically represent the flow of water and the mountain landscape, creating a tranquil space that evokes the spirit of Zen. Chion-in's Hojo Garden is a much-loved place that offers peace and tranquility to visitors. Its quiet, refined beauty is a precious reminder of the tradition and philosophy of Japanese gardens.