Shinnyo-do Temple (Shinsho Gokuraku-ji Temple)

In the Nanzen-ji temple and Okazaki areas, Shinnyo-do Temple has risen in popularity in recent years as a sightseeing spot for fall colors. As Shinnyo-do is written under the official name of Shinsho Gokuraku-ji, meaning ""Here is a temple that is truly paradise,"" it seems that Shinnyo-do was originally the temple’s nickname. To enter such a paradise, you step through the red gates called Akamon gate. It is an impressive triple tower that greets you on your right as you step into the grounds. In the past, this location was used for TV commercials and posters, and the triple tower seen in the background is highly photogenic.
There are two wonderful gardens in Shinnyo-do Temple. One is “Nehan-no-niwa” with its arrangement of stones depicting Buddha's death with Higashiyama mountain in the backdrop. Another is “Zuien-no-niwa” designed by Chisao Shigemori, who is the grandson of the Showa era’s master landscape architect Mirei Shigemori. This unique garden takes its name from the Buddhist adage of “Zuien-shin-nyo”, which means ""a truth that is absolute takes many forms."" It was recently completed in 2010. The modern space is decorated throughout with the “Yotsumeyui,” the crest of the Mitsui family, the founders of one of Japan's three major conglomerates, the Mitsui Group.