山陽の山々と共に静かに歴史を刻む真言宗御室派の京都名刹仁和寺を総本山とする奉具山自性院。山門に続く外壁には、境内の浄域を俗世間から守るように鬼瓦が飾られている。門をくぐると寺院内を賑わせる茶室や灯籠が現れ、こじんまりとしていながら大事に手入れされた日本庭園が楽しめる。

寺院内の庭園は、職人気質の住職の手で自ら地道に造ったものばかりというから驚きだ。見た目の安心感に引けを取らず、住職や和尚、お寺を管理する方々も朗らかで尋ねればゆったり穏やかな一時を過ごせることでしょう。

〒709-0836 岡山県赤磐市下仁保1260

Hoguzan Jiseiin is headquartered in Ninnaji Temple, a famous Kyoto temple of the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism, which quietly engraves history along with the mountains of Sanyo. The outer wall leading to the temple gate is decorated with ridge-end roof tiles to protect the sanctuary in the precincts from the mundane world. When you pass through the gate, you will see a tea room and lanterns that liven up the temple, and you can enjoy a small but well-maintained Japanese garden.

I was surprised to learn that the gardens inside the temple were all built by the chief priest who has a craftsmanship. The appearance is as safe as it looks, and the chief priest, priest, and people who manage the temple are cheerful, so if you ask them, you will be able to spend a relaxing and calm time.

1260 Shimoniho, Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture 709-0836