⛩️ Enkō-ji Temple

In 1601, Tokugawa Ieyasu built a school in Fushimi, Kyoto, which was later relocated to the grounds of Shokoku-ji Temple. It was then moved in 1667 to its current location in Ichijoji Koyamachi. The temple houses several Buddhist statues, including a Thousand-Armed Kannon statue believed to be created by Unkei and an important cultural property statue of the founding Zen master Genki. It also features the important cultural property "Six-Fold Bamboo and Wood Folding Screen" painted by Maruyama Ōkyo. In spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, in summer, there are green maples, moss-covered cedars, and bamboo groves swaying gently in the breeze. In autumn, the leaves turn a fiery red, and winter brings a quiet stillness with few visitors. The garden showcases the different seasonal landscapes, including the dry landscape garden "Hōryū-tei," which uses white sand to represent a sea of clouds and stone arrangements to depict a dragon, and the "Shigyū-no-niwa," a pond-and-strolling garden created in the early modern period based on the theme of "Ten Bulls," illustrating a shepherd chasing after his cattle. Additionally, in the garden behind the study hall, there is a tea room called "Taigetsu-an," crafted by Iwakura Kushi, and a water basin known for its "Engō-ji style," along with a bamboo grove frequently visited by Maruyama Ōkyo. Inside the "Tōshō-gū," there is a burial site for Tokugawa Ieyasu's teeth, and it is said that Ueda Akinari, the author of "Ugetsu Monogatari," often visited this place. From the elevated platform, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto city, making it a highly favored scenic spot.

The important cultural heritage includes Buddhist statues and the six-panel folding screen painting "Bamboo Grove" by 圓山應舉 (Yamamoto Enjū). Within the grounds that showcase the different seasonal landscapes, there are famous areas such as "Bunryū-tei" and "Shin'gyū no Niwa" (Garden of the Ten Bulls). Behind the grounds, in "Tōshōgū," lies the tomb where the teeth of Tokugawa Ieyasu are buried. From "Tōshōgū," one can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Kyoto, making it a well-known scenic spot.