Passing through the main gate, you'll be greeted by the reception building, "Shodo," designed by Terunobu Fujimori. Its hand-bent copper roof and red pine trees complement the Seto Inland Sea mountainside, heightening your anticipation as you stroll through the temple grounds. Stroll through the pond-centered garden and enjoy the Hakuin collection displayed in the temple buildings without the need for displays. A tranquil, immersive experience awaits, where gardens, architecture, and Zen paintings intersect.

Don't miss the art pavilion, "Koutei," by Nawa Kohei/Sandwich. This boat-shaped wooden space, featuring a dim light and the reflections of light on the water's surface, offers a "modern-day zazen" experience that transcends words and engages the senses. Inside the temple grounds, you can learn monk's etiquette while eating yudame udon noodles at "Gokan-do," or sip matcha or sencha tea in the teahouse.

Zen experiences such as zazen and sutra copying are also available at the museum.

Shinkatsuji Zen and Garden Museum is gaining popularity as a new facility where you can experience the world of Zen along with art and architecture and refresh both body and mind.