Of all the temples and shrines I’ve visited in Kyoto, my favourite has to be the little-known Kōtō-in (高桐院), a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji (大徳寺). I discovered it purely by chance four years ago on my first trip to Kyoto and decided to pay a return visit.
![Koto-in Entrance](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/13509266423_e37f3eccd5_b.jpg)
The entrance is preceded by a stone pathway cut through an immaculate moss carpet lined by perfectly proportioned pine trees.
![Wooden Gateway](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/13509179885_8edfe4200c_b.jpg)
It was established in 1601 as a family temple by the famous Japanese samurai warrior Hosokawa Tadaoki (細川 忠興) who is buried within the temple grounds.
![Mossy Path](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/13509189705_79f29bc7a5_b.jpg)
![Contemplation](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/13509192375_9db81a1961_b.jpg)
Take a seat on the veranda overlooking the garden to soak it all in and, just for a moment, forget the world outside.
![Kōtō-in Moss Garden](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/13509287253_f33084cc2f_b.jpg)
![Kōtō-in Veranda](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/13509290013_8f5a3b0a37_b.jpg)
![Outdoors-Indoors](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/13509292023_f2f9681312_b.jpg)
Kōtō-in can be found on the western edge of Daitoku-ji – take a look at my original post for more details and photos.
Reply