What to know
Jionzenji Temple (慈恩禅寺) was founded in the 16th century as the family temple of the local feudal lord, and houses the mausoleums of four former lords. A Zen monastery was added to the mausoleums and main hall, but it was destroyed in a flood and never rebuilt.
Jionzenji stands out among Gujo's temples for its beautiful Zen garden. A priest designed the garden to feature a pond, waterfall, and many maple trees. Though classified as a "strolling pond garden," visitors cannot actually enter it; it can only be viewed from inside the temple building.
Jionzenji's buildings and garden were completely rebuilt after a landslide destroyed the property in the 1950s. Photos of the landslide and its destructive effects on Jionzenji hang in the main hall to commemorate the event.
Jionzenji Temple is located in the southeastern area of central Gujo, about a ten-minute walk south of the tourist information office.
How to get to and around Gujo Hachiman
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 10:00 to 16:00
- Closed
- Tuesdays, December 30 to January 4
- Admission
- 500 yen (~$3.2)
- English name
- Jionzenji Temple
- Original name
- Jionzenji Temple
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.