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Hōkongōin teien
法金剛院庭園

garden at Hōkongōin temple


Construction of Hōkongōin began in 1129, and it took shape as a temple in the course of several years. The garden at the time of establishment centered on a large pond with yarimizu streams and pebble beaches, but the greater part of the pond has been burried and now lies under the modern city. At present, the hill called Goisan and the waterfall stone arrangement called Seijo no taki at its foot retain their original appearance. This waterfall was built by gardener priests, first Rinken, and then Tokudaiji Hōgen Jōi who supervised its final completion in 1133. The garden is designated a national special scenic spot, and is located in Ukyō ward, Kyoto.


Japanese Garden Dictionary: A Glossary for Japanese Gardens and Their History
(C) 2010 by Ono Kenkichi and Walter Edwards. All rights reserved.