Why not experience the spectacular garden view from the round window at Raikyu-ji Temple, a hidden gem in Takahashi City , Okayama Prefecture ? Enjoy a relaxing and luxurious time in the beautiful dry landscape garden that also influenced the design of Tokyo Midtown. We will introduce the highlights and access information.
2025.06.11-
Table of Contents
- History and Cultural Background of Tenchuzan Raikyuji Temple
- The secret behind the unique castle-like entrance
- Breathtaking beauty! The allure of a panoramic view of the garden
- The charm of gardens that can be enjoyed throughout the year
- Get a goshuin stamp as a memento of your visit
- A warm message from the chief priest
- Visiting hours and admission fees
- Access Information
- You can even see Raikyu-ji Temple! A spectacular view from the Loop Bridge Observatory
- Conclusion
History and Cultural Background of Tenchuzan Raikyuji Temple
Tenchuzan Ankoku Raikyu-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Eigen-ji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism located in Takahashi City , Okayama Prefecture . The Rinzai sect is known as a branch of Japanese Zen Buddhism centered on zazen meditation. The exact date of its founding is unclear, but it was rebuilt in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, and became Ankoku-ji Temple in Bitchu Province (present-day western Okayama Prefecture ). Later, in 1504, Ueno Yorihisa, lord of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, renovated the temple's landscape. After Yorihisa's death, the temple was renamed Raikyu-ji Temple after him.
The Raikyu-ji Temple Garden was designed by Kobori Enshu, a feudal lord in the early Edo period (first half of the 17th century) and known as a master of the tea ceremony, architecture, and garden design. Kobori Enshu was known for his aesthetic sense of "kirei sabi" (beautiful simplicity), and left behind many beautiful gardens all over Japan. In 1974, the garden was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and is recognized as an important cultural heritage of Japan.
The secret behind the unique castle-like entrance
The entrance to Raikyu-ji Temple has a unique structure in which, once you reach the top of the stone steps, there is a wall in front of you, preventing you from entering the temple grounds immediately. This is just like the "koguchi" (tiger's mouth) of a Japanese castle, a defensive entrance to a castle. I wondered why it was designed like this, but according to the head priest, it once served as a secondary castle (a small fort that protected the main castle) of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle.
Takahashi City is the castle town of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, which still has its castle tower, and is known as a region with excellent castle construction techniques. The distinctive entrance to Raikyu-ji Temple seems to have been influenced by the history of the region and the castle construction techniques. From the chief priest's story, I was able to learn a part of the deep history of Raikyu-ji Temple.
Breathtaking beauty! The allure of a panoramic view of the garden
Now, let us introduce you to the garden. When you step out onto the veranda from the slightly dim indoors, a bright and spacious view spreads out before you, a sight so beautiful it is difficult to put into words.
In fact, the Raikyu-ji temple buildings were once destroyed by fire during the Tenpo era (1830-1844). However, this beautiful garden miraculously escaped destruction. Surprisingly, no exact blueprints of the garden were left behind, and the beautiful way the trees were trimmed has been passed down orally for generations. Today, the beautiful scenery is maintained based on photographs taken during the Showa era.
Beautiful ripples drawn in white sand
Raikyu-ji Temple Garden is a Horai-style dry landscape garden. Dry landscape gardens are a uniquely Japanese style of garden that use stones and sand to create waterscapes without using actual water. In Raikyu-ji Temple Garden, the ripples of water are beautifully depicted with white sand. To protect this beautiful pattern, you cannot enter the garden, but you can enjoy the beautiful view from the veranda.
Turtle Island, a place for wishes of longevity
Turtle Island is located in front of the trimmed azaleas (flowers that represent spring in Japan). The large rock in the middle represents the shell, and the small rock on the right represents the head. Horai-style gardens were created based on the Chinese idea of immortality (eternal life), so turtles, a symbol of longevity, are used in this way.
Tsurushima, which also influenced Tokyo Midtown
This Tsurushima is made up of a 150cm tall slab of rock and azaleas (Japanese flowering trees that bloom beautifully in early summer). By placing stones in the foreground, the sense of depth is enhanced.
In fact, it is said that Tsurushima influenced the design of Tokyo Midtown, a famous commercial and office complex in Tokyo ! David Childs, an American architect who designed the basic structure of the entire building, was inspired by Raikyu-ji Temple and Rockefeller Center in New York when creating the structure of Tokyo Midtown.
I was surprised to hear this story, and it reminded me that Raikyu-ji Temple Garden is a place that fascinates architects not only from within Japan, but from all over the world.
A magnificent Seigaiha pattern expressed by Satsuki azalea
This is a pruning of Satsuki azalea called "Seigaiha" which represents ocean waves. It beautifully expresses the appearance of waves crashing into the sea one after another, and at this time of year the vibrant pink and Aka flowers add beautiful color to the landscape.
Seigaiha is also known as the name of a traditional Japanese geometric pattern, and is an auspicious motif that depicts gentle waves continuing endlessly. It is imbued with the wish for a peaceful life that will continue forever. It is a perfect design for a Horai-style garden, which prays for immortality.
Changes in the natural environment and challenges in garden management
Regarding the care of the Satsuki azalea, the head priest said that it has been difficult to maintain it due to recent changes in the natural environment. In recent years, summers have been extremely hot, and there have been many years in which summer-like heat has arrived before we have had a chance to enjoy spring. Then, this year, it suddenly got cold in May, and we are experiencing climate changes that were previously unthinkable. The head priest said that these environmental changes are extremely difficult to maintain the Satsuki azalea. Also, because it is a historic temple garden, it seems that the old Satsuki azalea trees sometimes need to be replaced by new generations.
A picturesque view from the round window
Please take a look at this magnificent view! The view from the longed-for round window looks like a picture frame, and the wall looks like a painting. I was captivated by the beauty and lost for words.
Seasonal azalea viewing times
The best time to see azalea flowers is usually around the end of May. By the way, this year, the weather was cold in May, so the best time to see them came a little later. Unfortunately, the rain in early June and the strong sunlight the next day have caused the best time to see them to pass by now.
The charm of gardens that can be enjoyed throughout the year
Raikyu-ji Temple is famous for its azaleas, but in fact it has a variety of charms throughout the year. Until recently, the azaleas were brightening up the garden, and when I visited, the azaleas had already passed their peak, but I was still able to enjoy their delicate flowers. Then, from mid-June, the white blossoms of gardenias (the white flower that represents Japan's early summer) add a refreshing touch of color to the garden. Also, the maples (the maple trees that represent Japan's autumn colors) are currently a deep wine red color, but will soon turn green before transforming into vibrant red leaves again in autumn. In this way, the trees and flowers bring a variety of different expressions to the garden.
Luxurious time spent on the veranda
Sitting on the veranda and gazing at the beautiful garden, you will feel calm and happy. In the silence, you can hear the song of a Japanese bush warbler (a bird with a beautiful song that heralds the arrival of spring in Japan) singing "hohokekyo." *Please note that you cannot enter the garden.
Frogs croaking from the backyard
While relaxing in the Shoin (a room in a traditional Japanese architectural style), I periodically heard a croaking sound. To the right of the Shoin is the main garden, and to the left is a garden with a pond. I was hearing the sounds of frogs croaking from the pond. I couldn't see the frogs, but it was a very heartwarming space.
Get a goshuin stamp as a memento of your visit
You can receive a goshuin (a stamp stamp given at temples and shrines) as proof of your visit. Please pay 500 yen as a donation. Goshuin stamps are a traditional souvenir of visiting Japanese temples and shrines, and are loved by many people.
A warm message from the chief priest
During this interview, the head priest, Mr. Ikushima, told us about the various charms of the garden. "There are many different types of Japanese gardens, so I hope you will fall in love with them," he said. If you visit the Raikyu-ji Temple Garden , you will definitely come to love Japanese gardens after experiencing their charms.
Visiting hours and admission fees
Garden viewing hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Open all year round
Admission fee: 400 yen for adults, 200 yen for junior and senior high school students, free for elementary school students and younger, 150 yen for those with a disability certificate (same price for one caregiver)
Access Information
Location: 18 Raikyuji Town , Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture Prefecture
Access (car): Approximately 20 minutes from Kayo IC on the Okayama Expressway
Access (public transport): 15 minutes on foot from JR Bitchu Takahashi Station
Parking: 10 standard-sized cars
You can even see Raikyu-ji Temple! A spectacular view from the Loop Bridge Observatory
On the way back from Raikyu-ji Temple, I stopped by the Loop Bridge Observatory. This place has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Takahashi Tourist Attractions: View from Okubo Pass" and was also used as a filming location for the movie "Battery." You can get a panoramic view of Takahashi City, and you can see Raikyu-ji Temple to the right.
Location: Okayama Prefecture, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture
Conclusion
Raikyu-ji Temple's beauty was like another world, far removed from everyday life. Its quiet, tranquil space is truly a "famous spot only known to those in the know." I will never forget the excitement of being able to enjoy its beauty in silence to my heart's content. To be honest, I felt a little like "I want to keep this special place a secret!", but at the same time, I wanted as many people as possible to know that "Okayama has such a wonderful place," so I decided to introduce it to you. Please do go and check it out!
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.