Former Chikurin-in Temple – A Sato-bo in Sakamoto Overlooking a Scenic Garden –

【Highlights】
・A pond-strolling garden of about 1,000 tsubo where you can experience a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty
・A magnificent reflection view, with the garden mirrored on the desk in the main building
・A layered view with a sense of depth, where even the greenery of Mount Hachioji feels like part of the garden

【History and Culture】
Former Chikurin-in Temple was once one of the sato-bo of Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple. Sato-bo were temple residences built by monks of Mount Hiei who left the mountain and made their homes in Sakamoto. Today, it is owned by Otsu City and open to the public.

The garden, about 1,000 tsubo in size, is a pond-strolling garden created to make the most of the flow of the Omiya River and the scenery of Mount Hachioji spreading out behind it. As a nationally designated scenic garden, it carries the sato-bo culture that has been passed down in Sakamoto to the present day.

Within the garden are two tea houses and an azumaya (gazebo). In particular, the irimoya-style, thatched-roof tea room (koma) is known for its rare layout called the “Amanogawa-seki,” said to have no other example nationwide except at the Mushakoji Senke Tokyo Dojo. In this harmonious space where the garden, tea rooms, and sato-bo architecture come together, it is a spot not to be overlooked for experiencing Sakamoto’s unique history and culture.

【What to Enjoy Here】
There is a café on the grounds of Former Chikurin-in Temple, with a wide selection of drinks including matcha. You can relax and unwind while looking out over the garden.