Ikkyji

Ikkyji, commonly written Ikkyū-ji, is a Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. It is historically associated with the Zen monk Ikkyū Sōjun (1394–1481), whose life and poetry are linked to the temple's tradition. The temple is considered part of the Rinzai branch of Zen Buddhism and is tied to the broader history of medieval Zen in Kyoto.

The temple’s current form reflects a Muromachi period origin with later reconstructions and repairs. The grounds are modest but carefully kept, featuring a garden that is often described as tranquil and moss-covered. A cave on the hillside is linked to Ikkyū in local legend, where the monk is said to have meditated or taken shelter during his later years. The site also preserves inscriptions and artifacts related to Zen practice and Ikkyū’s legacy.

Cultural significance and public access: Ikkyū-ji is regarded as an important site for understanding the life of Ikkyū and the development of Zen practice in medieval Japan. It is part of Kyoto’s network of historic religious sites and is visited as part of temple circuits and pilgrimages in the city. The temple is open to the public, with visiting hours and fees that vary by season, and it remains a focus of scholarly interest as well as tourism.