Konchi-in Temple

The Konchi-in Temple is marked by a massive gate that stands tall even against the towering trees surrounding it. This sub-temple of Nanzen-ji served as a political powerhouse during the early seventeenth century. Its abbot, Ishin Suden, acted as a top advisor to the Tokugawa shogunate. He drafted the strict laws governing the imperial court and samurai families from these rooms. The temple holds his private tea room and a dry garden designed to reflect the vast power he held in his hands.