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The word Hojo here is different from that of the Hojo family being spelled with different kanji characters, and literally is a space of about three-meter-square, thought to be enough for a chief priest to live in. Later, it began to mean a house where not only the chief priest lives but also religious services are performed. Together with the Somon gate, this was also brought here in 1943 from Sanmai-in in Kyoto, originally built in the latter half of the Edo Period. Enshrined here is a statue of Crowned Shaka Nyorai .
From 5.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. on the evening of weekends, Zazen or sit-in meditation is held for the laity. Any visitors can join it free of charge with an advance notice.
Backyard of the building is a beautifully arranged garden with a pond. The garden was designed by Priest Soseki Muso {soh-seh-key moo-soh} (1275-1351), another great Zen priest famous for making Zen style garden, and the founder of Zuisenji. It was the first garden laid out in Zen style, but rearranged during the Edo Period. Visiting here in May used to be nice with azalea (Rhododendron lateritium) and iris (Iris nertschinskia) in full bloom. The garden was remodelled in 2003 and it no longer has plants like azalea or iris (see the photo at the top of this page). It is designated as a Historic Spot as well as a Scenic Spot by the National Government.
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