This temple was built in the early Edo period (1639) as the Nagahama temple of the Shinsu Outani sect. The temple is made up of two old academies, the Ganzan and the Rantei, each of which overlooks a karesansui (dry) garden. The gardens were built during the tenure of the temple's fifth head priest, Shino Shonin from 1751-1780. The Ganzan garden employes Mt Ibuki as a shakkei or ikedori (borrowed landscape). The Rantei garden is done in the bokuga-shiki (ink painting) style. [I don't know what this style is. rc]
The temple and gardens are just a few minutes walk from Nagahama station and the Nagahama-jo ruins on the Hokuriku Line (JR). It is near the southeast shore of Lake Biwa. If you're coming from Kyoto, Osaka or Tokyo, you can change from the Tokaido Line at Maibara.
Passport in tow, Machi Tawara
whether she is here or not
North China plain goes on