Kyoto: Hoshun-in Bonsai Garden
After lunch, we visited Hoshunin Bonsai Garden (芳春院盆栽庭園) 🗾 located in the Daitoku-ji (大徳寺) zen temple complex, one of the largest and most important temple complexes in Kyoto.
Hoshun-in temple is a sub-temple in the complex. Hoshunin is the Buddhist name of Matsu, a regular wife of Maeda Toshiie. He was a feudal lord in the Warring States period. She opened this temple in 1608. So her name became the temple’s name. The buildings and gardens are usually not open to the public, but the bonsai garden is. It was only opened in March 2021, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing delays.
The garden/museum was established by Tomio Yamaguchi and Morimae Seiji to preserve the art of bonsai and educate the public about its significance in Japanese culture. The garden, featuring some 30 bonsai from various artists, is set in a serene, strolling garden environment.
