Shisendo was originally the villa of ISHIKAWA Jyozan, 1583 - 1672.
ISHIKAWA Jyozan was from Anjyo area in Aichi, and was a vassal of TOKUGAWA Ieyasu, who established his government "Edo Bakufu" in 1603.

ISHIKAWA Jyozan well served for Ieyasu, but he was received reprimands by Ieyasu at the Siege of Osaka in 1615. Then, Jyozan decided to retire his samurai service and he built his villa in 1641. This is Shisendo.

Shisendo is located near the root of Mt. Hiei, to the north of Higashiyama Area. Shisendo is surrounded by houses, but once you get into the Shisendo through the entrance, you will feel silence.

After a short walk from the entrance, you will arrive at Shogetsudo, the main building of Shisendo. Shisendo is the name of the room of Shogetsudo. The official name of Shisendo is Outotsu-ka and is a Zen-temple.

The view from Shisendo is very calm and tranquil. Shisendo is very quiet or silent.

You will hear the sound of "Shishiodoshi" or "Sozu" once in a while. This sound enhances the silence.
This is very impressive.

Shogetsudo is on the halfway up a hill. The garden of Shisendo stretches down from Shogetsudo.
The garden looks like a deep forest.

The atmosphere seems to remain the same as when ISHIKAWA Jyozan was living in this villa, 370 years ago.

How to get there
Shisendo is located to 900m east of Ichijyoji Station on the Eizan Railway line. It will take you ten minutes from the station to Shisendo on foot.

Official English site:
http://www.kyoto-shisendo.com/En/top.html

Other Historical Sites near by:
Jishoji Temple
Shimogamo Shrine
Kamigamo Shrine