Iyama Hofukuji Temple

This Zen temple of the Rinzai sect Tofukuji School is famous for being associated with the master painter Sesshu, and is located approximately a 15-minute drive from the Okayama Soja Interchange off of the Okayama Expressway. It commemorates an occasion in Sesshu's childhood when he is said to have depicted a mouse with his tears, thereby impressing the head priest. This Zen temple was one of the influential centers in spreading the religion into the Saikoku region. That which was an old thorn of the Tendai Sect, whose founder is Nichirin Daiajari, Donnan priest took and made it into a new temple in 1232 during the Kamakura era. Throughout the year regularly scheduled zazen meditation events are held but visitors, who wish, may also participate in Zen meditation sessions.