Komyozen-ji

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Komyozen-ji is the Zen temple located north of Dazaifu Tenman-gu that has a nickname of “Koke-dera,” which literary means the temple of moss in Japanese. It is said Myogen-ji was built in the Kamakura period in 1273. It has two outstanding gardens, and at Bukko-sekitei, front garden, 15 stones makes the shape of the Chinese character ”光” which indicates light. This garden has a style called Karesansui, unique to Japan, which expresses water landscape without water, and there are only a few in Kyushu. At the back garden called “Ittekikai no Niwa,” the white sand represents the ocean and moss represents the land. The red leaves in fall are also famous, Japanese maples make the garden look even more amazing.

Bukko-sekitei

In this garden, the main three stones out of 15 represent the Buddhas Shaka, Monju Bosatsu and Fugen Bosatsu and creates the shape of the Chinese character “光”, light overall. The purpose is to make the visitors feel the light of Buddha by looking through the eyes of the heart in silence.

Ittekikai no Niwa

The other garden, the back garden, Ittekikai no Niwa is also a garden with Karesansui style. It is said white sands represents a large ocean and moss represents the land. This is a beautiful garden that greatly stimulates emotions of the viewers.

Scenic view of red leaves

Komyozen-ji is also known as a beautiful spot of red leaves, and many tourists visit here. The colored Japanese maple enhances the beauty of the garden, and the colorful fallen leaves on the white sands area which has a delicate pattern is a beautiful view that can only be seen in fall.