Peaceful Zen temple near Tokyo with seasonal beauty, lush gardens, and a serene atmosphere

5.0
旅行時期：2025/07（約6ヶ月前）

by Cyberさん（男性）

荻窪・西荻窪クチコミ：2件

曹洞宗の寺院の一つで、明治時代まで今川氏の菩提寺であった。
荻窪駅や西武新宿線の上井草駅からかなり離れていること（徒歩で20分超を要する）、頻繁に車が往来するほどの道路が近隣にないからか、都心に近い寺院であるにも関わらず静謐で凛とした空気をまとっている。周遊するだけであれば30分程度の広さではあるが、境内の庭園が非常に素晴らしく（庭園内には立ち入れない）、庭園を愛でつつ境内を散策するだけでも素晴らしい時間を過ごすことが出来ると思う。
枝垂桜や紅葉も素晴らしいが、個人的にお勧めする来訪の時期は初夏。とりわけ瑞々しい木々の緑が都心に近い寺院とは思えない情景を醸し出す。日中は暑さを感じるものの散策には最適な時期だと思う（逆に真夏になると暑すぎて散策には適さない）。庭園前に2脚のベンチがあるため、腰を掛けつつ庭園を愛でるのも良い。但し境内は、水分補給はともかく食事は原則禁止（喫煙は言わずもがな）。

This is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple that served as the family temple (bodaiji) of the Imagawa clan until the Meiji era.
Although the temple is located relatively close to central Tokyo, it feels remarkably quiet and dignified. This tranquil atmosphere may be due to its distance from nearby train stations - over 20 minutes on foot from both Ogikubo Station and Kami-Igusa Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line) - as well as the absence of any major roads with heavy traffic nearby.
The temple precincts are not vast - roughly enough to explore in about 30 minutes - but the garden within is particularly striking. While entry into the garden itself is restricted, walking along its perimeter and admiring the view offers a peaceful and rewarding experience.
While the weeping cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn foliage are both beautiful, early summer is arguably the best time to visit. During this season, the lush greenery creates a vivid and refreshing atmosphere that hardly feels like you're still within reach of Tokyo’s urban core. Although the daytime can be warm, the weather is ideal for a leisurely stroll (unlike the peak of summer, when the heat can be overwhelming).
There are two benches in front of the garden, perfect for sitting and appreciating the view in comfort. Please note that while drinking water is allowed, eating within the temple precincts is generally prohibited. Smoking, of course, is strictly forbidden.