Kanchi-in

This branch temple of Toji has been a center of Shingon Buddhist scholarship since the fourteenth century. The current buildings date to 1605, rebuilt after an earthquake destroyed the originals. Kanchi-in holds the largest collection of esoteric Buddhist texts in Japan, and its guest hall is designated a National Treasure. What draws many visitors is the pair of ink paintings attributed to Miyamoto Musashi, the renowned swordsman and artist, depicting a bamboo grove and eagles about to strike. Musashi is said to have stayed here after a duel. The paintings are displayed in a space that is quiet and largely crowd-free, even in central Kyoto.