The first building you approach as you enter the temple is the reception hall. This building was restored in the Taisho era and used to hold the living quarters for the monks residing here.
Looking out from the reception hall, you can look down at the Shūheki-en garden landscaped by the famous Edo era tea Master, Sōwa Kanamori. If the walk so far has tired you out, feel free to sit out on the veranda here and take a tea break
You may notice the pillars in the reception hall, also known as the kamoi, are significantly lower in this room. This is to prevent swords from being swung within the space.
If there was someone who wanted to swing their sword in this space, the low hanging kamoi would prevent them from doing so. In the same vein, there are also spaces for spears to hang down in case of a sudden attack by the enemy.
Since monseki temples play host to the aristocracy, their protection was held to the utmost importance.
