Historic Satobo Residences

It is said the satobo residences of Sakamoto first came into existence when the elderly monks of Enryaku-ji Temple were given retirement residences. Many of these residences feature gardens because the monks’ associations with retired life in old age were stronger than their associations with the temples. There are currently more than 50 satobo residences in existence. Gardens in the ten residences of Shogei-in Temple, Sogen-in T emple, Old Hyakugo-in Temple, Hoseki-in Temple, Jitsuzobo-in Temple, Shiga-in Temple, Old Chikurin-in Temple, Tsu-in Temple, Butsujo-in Temple, and Juryo-in Temple were nationally designated sites of scenic beauty in 1998 amongst these satobo residences. Old Chikurin-in Temple, Old Hyakugo-in Temple, and Shiga-in Temple are open to the public. (Photo is of the garden in Old Chikurin-in Temple)