冷泉院跡は、京都市二条城北側で、平安時代前期から中期にかけて嵯峨天皇の後院として造営された離宮の跡です。弘仁年間（810～824年）に造営され、当初は「冷然院」と記されていましたが、貞観17年（875年）と天暦3年（949年）に火災に遭った際に「然」の字を「泉」に改め、冷泉院と改称されました。天皇の離宮・後院として代々利用され、皇室の重要な財産として伝えられていました。院内は善美を尽くして皇居とされ、林泉を前に数十の建物が建ち、天皇はしばしば行幸して詩歌の宴を開いていました。平安文化の一中心でもあり、林泉の美をたたえた文学作品も多く残されています。
しかし、4度にわたる火災と再建を繰り返した結果、1055年（天喜3年）にとり壊されてしまいました。跡地には駒札や石碑が残されており、2001年には庭園遺構の一部である景石や遣水も発見されています。
The ruins of Reizei-in are located on the north side of Nijo Castle in Kyoto. This site was a detached palace constructed as the rear palace of Emperor Saga during the early to mid-Heian period. It was built during the Kōnin era (810–824) and was originally referred to as "Reizen-in." However, after being damaged by fires in Jōgan 17 (875) and Tenryaku 3 (949), the character "然" in its name was changed to "泉," and it was renamed Reizei-in.
As a detached palace and rear palace for successive emperors, Reizei-in was a significant asset to the Imperial Family. The grounds were lavishly appointed and served as an imperial residence, with dozens of buildings erected before picturesque gardens and springs. Emperors frequently visited to host poetry banquets, making it a central hub of Heian culture. Many literary works extolling the beauty of its gardens and springs remain.
However, after enduring four fires and subsequent reconstructions, Reizei-in was dismantled in 1055 (Tenki 3). Today, signposts and stone monuments mark the site, and in 2001, elements of the garden, including ornamental stones and waterways, were discovered.
