Gardens at Buttsuji

 

Buttsuji is a major Zen monastery in the mountains of southern Hiroshima.

Outside of the main walled compound, and across the river is a small garden attributed to Sesshu

Some garden experts suggest it doesn't look much like a Sesshu garden, but the temple says it has been changed over the centuries.

A little further down the approach road is a sub-temple of Buttsuji, Yotokuin, and its not possible to enter its grounds, but a sign claims that it also has a Sesshu garden.

Across the pond and stone bridge is now a Kannon altar.

Crossig over the river into the main temple compound, is a large karesansui garden.

Buttsuji is a Rinzai temple, founded in the last years of the 14th century.

It grew to be an important monastery, and is currently the only Zen monastery in western Japan with a training hall.

The garden is completely dry and has just rocks and a few pine trees among the raked sand.

On this visit the autumn colours were not in full swing....

I can find no information on when the garden was built or who designed it.

There is a small courtyard garden, recently designed, but it is not open to the public.

The previous post was on the walk to reach Buttsuji.