One of the most important Zen Buddhist monks in the history of Japan was Musō Soseki (1275 – 1351), known also as Musō Kokushi ("national Zen teacher"), title given by the Emperor Go-Daigo. Among other talents, Musō was an excellent garden designer and his most representative work is the garden from the Saihō-ji Temple (Koke-dera) in Kyoto.

For a short period, Musō was also the chief priest of the Engaku-ji Temple from Kamakura and he designed there a small pond, the Myokochi Pond. Remodeled in 2001, the Myokochi Pond was declared Place of Scenic Beauty by the government.

The rock in the center of the photo is called Kotogan 「虎頭岩」 “Tiger Head Rock” and the building reflected in the water is the chief priest’s residence:

Engaku-ji Temple, Kamakura

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