Juko-in Garden: Where Tea Culture and Zen Aesthetics Converge

Hidden within the sacred precincts of Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto lies one of Japan's most significant yet least-visited cultural treasures: Juko-in Garden, also known as "Hyakuseki-no-Niwa" (The Garden of a Hundred Stones). This exquisite karesansui (dry landscape) garden is believed to have been designed by none other than Sen no Rikyu, the legendary tea master who revolutionized Japanese aesthetics and whose influence continues to shape cultural traditions to this day.

As the family temple of the three Sen schools of tea ceremony—Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushakoji-senke—Juko-in holds an almost sacred status among practitioners of chanoyu. The garden, designated as a National Scenic Site in 1958, embodies the same spirit of refined simplicity and profound depth that characterizes the highest expressions of Japanese tea culture.

Historical Background: A Temple Born of Warrior Legacy

Juko-in was founded in 1566 during the turbulent Sengoku period by Miyoshi Yoshitsugu, a powerful warrior who established the sub-temple to honor the memory of his adoptive father, Miyoshi Nagayoshi. The temple's name derives from Nagayoshi's posthumous Buddhist name, reflecting the deep filial piety that motivated its creation.

The founding priest was Shorei Sokin, the 107th abbot of Daitoku-ji and a figure of immense importance in the history of Japanese tea culture. Shorei Sokin served as the Zen teacher of Sen no Rikyu, who came to study the way of Zen under his guidance. This spiritual connection between master and disciple would transform Juko-in into the eternal resting place of the Rikyu and all subsequent generations of the Sen family tea masters.

Why Juko-in Garden Became a National Scenic Site

The garden's designation as a National Scenic Site recognizes its exceptional value as a representative example of Momoyama-period garden design and its remarkable state of preservation. Spanning approximately 50 tsubo (roughly 165 square meters), this flat garden south of the main hall demonstrates masterful composition within a modest space.

What distinguishes Hyakuseki-no-Niwa is its distinctive stone arrangement. Running along the hedge that forms the garden's southern boundary, stones are placed in linear groupings from east to west. A stone bridge positioned at the center divides the composition into two groups, with strategic placement of upright stones creating visual rhythm and subtle variations. Despite the relatively small scale of individual stones, the overall effect achieves a compelling sense of both severity and gentleness—qualities that mirror the paradoxical nature of tea aesthetics itself.

The garden's authorship is traditionally attributed to a remarkable collaboration: Kano Eitoku, the young genius of the Kano school of painting, is said to have created the design sketch, while Sen no Rikyu executed the actual garden construction. This partnership between painter and tea master resulted in a garden that functions as a three-dimensional extension of the celebrated fusuma paintings within the main hall.

Highlights and Distinctive Features

Visiting Information: Accessing This Hidden Treasure

Unlike many Kyoto temples, Juko-in is not normally open to the public. The temple holds special public openings (tokubetsu kōkai) periodically, offering rare opportunities to experience this extraordinary garden and its National Treasure paintings. During special exhibitions, the original Kano school fusuma paintings, ordinarily housed at the Kyoto National Museum, return home to Juko-in, allowing visitors to witness the intended harmony between garden and painting.

Monthly memorial services for Sen no Rikyu take place on the 28th of each month, with the three Sen schools taking turns to host the ceremony. Tea practitioners may attend these occasions, which include tea offerings in the historic tea rooms.

Advance reservation through Kyoto Shunju is typically required for special public openings. Visitors are advised to check current information well in advance, as the temple may close on certain days even during public opening periods.

Surrounding Area: Exploring Daitoku-ji and Beyond

A visit to Juko-in naturally invites exploration of the greater Daitoku-ji temple complex, one of Kyoto's most significant Zen monasteries with deep connections to tea culture and warrior patronage. Several other sub-temples offer regular public access, including Ryogen-in, Zuiho-in, and Daisen-in, each featuring distinctive gardens and architectural treasures.

Just north of Daitoku-ji lies Imamiya Shrine, famous for its "omokaru stone" fortune-telling ritual and the beloved aburimochi grilled rice cakes sold at two traditional shops—Ichiwa and Kazariya—that have operated on the shrine's approach for centuries. The combination of temple gardens, shrine visit, and local delicacy offers an ideal half-day itinerary in this atmospheric neighborhood.

Other notable nearby destinations include Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), approximately 20 minutes by bus, and the textile district of Nishijin, known for its weaving heritage and traditional machiya townhouses.