SHOFUKU-JI

Located less than a kilometre north of the station, this Zen temple was founded in 1195 by Eisai (1141-1215) who tried to introduce the Zen doctrine of Rinzai in 1192. He had tea trees planted in order to spread the rite among the Zen monks. Note that it is impossible to enter the temple buildings. Shofuku-ji can be admired from the outside and from its beautiful park. Its wooden buildings have been destroyed and rebuilt many times in the past. The temple compound still contains gates (including the Sanmon) and a hall dedicated to Eisai.