Tanhokutei Tea House
The Tanhokutei Tea House was donated to Saihoji by celebrated ceramicist Mashimizu Zoroku II (1861–1936), who traveled the world honing his craft. His influence on the restoration of this distinctive teahouse can be seen in the ceramic oval door handle and foundation stones. The tea house dates back to Muso Soseki’s time, but was restored and moved to its present location in 1928.
Tanhokutei and Shonantei, another of Saihoji’s tea houses, have been recognized as Special Places of Scenic Beauty. Despite being created many years apart, both were inspired by verses in the Blue Cliff Record, a classic of Zen (Chan) Buddhism written in China in the twelfth century.