Kokeizan Eihoji Temple

This historic temple of the Nanzenji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism stands amid the lush greenery of Mount Kokeizan in Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture. Its history began in 1313, when Zen monk Muso Soseki built a hermitage here. The temple grounds contain the Kannon Hall and Kaisan Hall, both built in the late Kamakura period and designated National Treasures.

A particular highlight is Eihoji Temple Garden, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and considered one of Muso Soseki’s finest works. This strolling pond garden skillfully incorporates the surrounding mountains, rocks, streams, and other natural features. Centered on Garyo Pond, it brings together the roofed Musai Bridge, the National Treasure Kannon Hall, the towering Bonnon Rock, and Bonnon Falls cascading down its face to create a scene reminiscent of a painting.

The grounds are also home to a large ginkgo tree believed to be around 700 years old. In fall, red maple leaves and golden ginkgo foliage vividly frame the National Treasure halls and pond. Each season offers a different view, from cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring and fresh green maple leaves in summer to snow-covered scenery in winter.