Shinjiike Pond

A shinjiike, or “heart character pond,” is a common element of Japanese gardens and can be seen at many of Kyoto’s temples, including at neighboring Nanzenji Temple. The name refers to the pond’s shape, which loosely resembles a cursive form of the Chinese character shin, meaning “heart,” “spirit,” or “center.” This type of pond is believed to have been popularized by Musō Soseki (1275–1351), a Zen monk of the Rinzai school, founder of many temples, and former abbot of Nanzenji Temple. The shinjiike invites contemplation and reflection through both its meaning and its placement, next to the Kohōjō, where the abbot’s quarters are located.