Among the sub-temples of Daitoku-ji, this temple is regarded as one of the oldest and most historically significant, and is classified as a specially designated high-ranking sub-temple.

The inner garden is designed as a representation of Hōrai (the legendary island of immortals), with a waterfall symbolizing water flowing into a central “middle sea” (chūkai), inspired by classical landscape motifs.

At the northeast corner of the Hojo (abbot’s quarters), there is a karesansui (dry landscape) meditation garden. It features arrangements of rocks representing Crane Island and Turtle Island, along with black pine plantings, expressing the concept of the Hōrai world.

One of the streams flows westward, passing beside Turtle Island, eventually forming a larger river. It runs beneath a covered corridor and flows into the northern inner courtyard (the “middle sea”) of the Hojo.

The building includes the Important Cultural Property Shūunken, which is traditionally said to be the place where Zen master Takuan Sōhō met the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.