Zen Roots
Hōfuku-ji Temple in Sōja, Okayama, is a historic Rinzai Zen temple renowned as the childhood training site of Sesshū Tōyō, one of Japan’s greatest ink painters. The temple's three-story pagoda, dating back to 1376, is the second oldest in Okayama and retains its original structure. Visitors can explore Zen gardens, including a karesansui (dry landscape) and a small pond garden, and view seasonal exhibitions of Sesshū's works. In autumn, the temple grounds are adorned with vibrant foliage, making it a popular destination for leaf viewing. Hōfuku-ji is accessible via a short taxi ride from JR Sōja Station.
