Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens

Perched in the mountains of Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Shinshoji is a Zen Buddhist temple affiliated with the Kenninji sect of Rinzai Buddhism. More than just a place of memorial services, the temple keeps an open door for visitors looking for the chance to see the essence of Zen through a full menu of cultural activities, including Zen meditation and tea ceremony.

The massive temple grounds span a vast 230,000 square meters (70,000 tsubo), with notable structures like the 17th-century temple hall relocated from Shiga Prefecture, a reconstructed teahouse originally designed by tea master Sen no Rikyu, and a unique temple office designed around the theme of red pine by acclaimed architectural historian and architect Terunobu Fujimori. Beautiful gardens connect these architectural landmarks, creating a harmonious landscape ideal for tranquil strolls.

The temple also houses the Hakuin Gallery, home to one of Japan's premier collections of approximately 200 Zen paintings and calligraphy works by Hakuin Ekaku. These artworks can be viewed year-round in the permanent exhibition hall, Sogondo, which rotates displays periodically.

Another highlight is the striking art pavilion, Kohtei, designed by Kohei Nawa and creative studio Sandwich. This distinctive boat-shaped structure, clad in Japanese cypress, offers a captivating interior experience with installations utilizing reflections of water and natural light.

Visitors can also savor local culinary specialties such as Shinshoji Udon, certified as a Fukuyama brand, along with traditional sencha (green tea) sets and matcha. The temple provides diverse experiences ranging from Zen meditation sessions, calligraphy writing (shakyo), appreciation of traditional Zen artworks, and contemporary art viewing, ensuring an enriching visit for all who explore its serene grounds.