🗺️ Chōeiji Sesshū Garden

Sesshū is a renowned ink wash painter and Zen monk from the Muromachi period. Supported by the Ōuchi clan, he moved to Suō and traveled to Ming Dynasty China to study ink wash painting, earning the title of "Saint of Painting." Works such as "Amanohashidate" and "Four Seasons Landscape" (Landscape Handscroll) have six pieces designated as national treasures, receiving high acclaim in the history of Japanese painting. The Sesshū Garden at Jōeiji is said to have been constructed by Ōuchi Masahiro during the mid-Muromachi period as a villa. Located on the north side of the main hall of Jōeiji, it utilizes the deep and long terrain surrounded by mountains to create a pond-and-stroll garden. It is likened to the Three Mountains and Five Peaks of China, with the expansive karesansui (dry landscape) opposite the Shinji Pond, the dry waterfall, and the arrangement of garden stones being key points of interest. It represents a Japanese garden filled with Zen worldview and is designated as a national historic site and scenic spot. From the main hall, one can enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful view resembling a landscape painting. In this tranquil environment, one can fully appreciate the beauty of the seasonal changes of cherry blossoms, fresh greens, autumn leaves, and winter scenery.

Appreciate the garden created by the representative ink painter of the Muromachi period, Sesshū. On the south side of the main hall, there is a dry landscape garden designed by the Showa-era landscape artist, Shigemori Mirei. Near the mountain gate, there is the front garden "Muin," created in 2012, where you can enjoy gardens from the Muromachi, Showa, and Heisei periods. Relax your body and mind in the Zen-like garden.