Sorinji Temple

Sorinji Temple in Ube, Yamaguchi, was founded over 1,200 years ago by Iko Shonin, a renowned Buddhist priest from Tang Dynasty China (618–907). The temple’s garden, “Ryushin-tei” dates from the fourteenth century, and is the oldest in Yamaguchi. It is a superb example of Zen garden design from the Nanbokucho period (1336–1392), with two ponds, a man-made hill, and stone arrangements that include standing stones and pebbled pond shores. Visitors can undertake zazen meditation sessions at Sorinji Temple, which include matcha tea. English instruction is available. Prior reservations are required for the meditation sessions.