Nanzen-ji Hōjō – The "Tiger Cubs Crossing" Garden and Kanō-school Paintings

Nanzen-ji's Hōjō (National Treasure) consists of the large hall and the small hall behind it. The large hall was rebuilt in 1611 with a building granted from the imperial palace; temple tradition says it was the Seiryōden of the Tenshō-era palace (another theory says the reception hall of an empress's palace). It is an elegant building with a hip-and-gable roof of cypress shingles. The small hall dates from the Kan'ei era and is said to come from Fushimi Castle.

The garden in front of the large hall, attributed to Kobori Enshū, is a representative early Edo dry garden and a designated Place of Scenic Beauty. Stones and plantings are arranged along the wall of a long, narrow white-sand garden, known affectionately as the "Tiger Cubs Crossing". Also see the Nyoshin-tei, stones arranged in the shape of the character for "heart", and the Rokudō-tei with stones set in moss.

The paintings of the large hall (Important Cultural Property) are by Kanō-school artists of the early Momoyama period. As they deteriorated, most originals are kept in storage and colour-reproductions are now displayed. The "Tigers" in the small hall's Tiger Room (Important Cultural Property, 40 panels) are attributed to Kanō Tan'yū; the "Tiger Drinking Water" is especially famous.

Sitting on the veranda facing the white-sand garden is a special experience. Recommended in any season when you want a quiet taste of Zen.