The Eiho-ji Zen

Kokeizan Eihoji Temple is ranked as one of the best spots in Gifu for momiji viewing. Aside from momiji trees, this place also offers a zen garden with bridge, waterfall and pond. Consider this National Treasure, if you want to go autumn viewing. It is indeed a serene beauty to reckon!

The temple grounds and gardens were designed by Muso Soseki, also known as Muso Kokushi (National Zen Teacher), who was the most famous monk of his time. The grounds and Zen garden include the carp filled pond with the Musaibashi Bridge as well as a spectacular waterfall cascading over rocks. They have been designated as a place of National Scenic Beauty. The picturesque gardens are stunning all year round with beauty in spring with the cherry blossoms, early summer with the wisteria, autumn with the fall colours, and winter with white snow landscapes.

Kokeizan Eihoji Temple has a large Gingko tree that is close to 700 years old. The tree is said to have been planted by the founder of the temple, Buttoku Zenji. The tree is 25.3 meters high with a 4.33 meter girth. It is a popular spot for photos during the autumn in Japan.

Momiji Trees

This Musaibashi or Endless Bridge is the main attraction at Kokeizan Eihoji Temple and it is very picturesque. Crossing the famous Musaibashi Bridge leads you to the Kannon-do. It is a magnificent looking arched bridge and the journey over it is very spiritual. It is said that crossing the bridge to the Kannon-do symbolizes travelling to a place of enlightenment. Once you have crossed over the bridge to the Kannon-do, you should not cross back over, but walk around it in order to exit.

The Kannon-do is a National Treasure famed for its Zen architecture, and the building is where a statue of Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) is enshrined. It was built the year after Muso Kokushi visited Kokeizan in 1314. Muso Kokushi was a Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk, teacher, calligraphist, poet and garden designer, who was the most famous monk of his time. He is credited with creating the amazing Zen garden at Kokeizan Eihoji Temple as well as those in Koke-dera and Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto.

All photos are mine.