Jion-zenji Temple

Jion-zenji Temple is a Rinzai Zen temple founded in 1606 by Endo Yoshitaka, the second lord of Gujo Hachiman Castle.
In 1893, heavy rains triggered a landslide on the hillside behind the temple, burying much of the complex. The main hall and study hall were rebuilt in 1896, and the priests’ quarters were reconstructed in 2015.
One of the main highlights is the garden known as “Tetsuso-en.”
At the center of the garden lies a pond fed by a gently flowing waterfall, offering beautiful scenery throughout the seasons. In spring, flowers such as Mitsuba azaleas, flowering peaches, and rhododendrons bloom in abundance.
In summer, the sound of the waterfall and the rustling of green maple leaves in the breeze create a cool and refreshing atmosphere. In autumn, the garden is adorned with vibrant foliage, while in winter, the snow-covered landscape evokes the serene beauty characteristic of a Zen temple.
Many visitors are also drawn to the suikinkutsu—a traditional water feature hidden in a corner of the garden—where the sound of dripping water produces a delicate, bell-like echo.