Daijōin is a monzeki temple (one originally founded as a residence for an imperial prince or other noble) established in the Heian period, at the end of eleventh century. It moved to its present location at the end of twelfth century, where it survived to the end of the Edo period. In the fifteenth century the head priest Jinson renovated the garden on a large scale, with the details recorded in his diary Daijōin jisha zōjiki. According to that text, Zen'ami was involved in the garden construction. It was a pond garden, centered on Higashiōike, the large eastern pond which still survives, while recent excavations have revealed the details of Nishikoike, the smaller western pond seen in drawings from the Edo period. It is designated a national scenic spot, and located in the city of Nara.
Japanese Garden Dictionary: A Glossary for Japanese Gardens and Their History
(C) 2010 by Ono Kenkichi and Walter Edwards. All rights reserved.
