The Chan sect of Buddhism began in China in the 6th century AD and reached Japan in the 7th century. However it did not gain popularity until the late 12th and early 13th centuries when the Rinzai and Sôtô sects were introduced by priests who had visited China. Chan (zen in Japanese) means meditation and the goal of this form of Buddhism was personal enlightenment through meditation. Its principle of strict self-discipline held great appeal for the warrior class.

Several Hôjô regents sponsored the foundation of Zen temple-monasteries, and invited Chinese monks to serve as abbots. Provincial leaders emulated their patronage, expanding the influence of the sect. The patronage of Zen led to developments in architecture, garden design, ink painting, calligraphy, poetry, tea drinking and flower arrangement.

Zen temples were larger and different in layout from previous Buddhist institutions. Some had as many as one hundred sub-temples (tatchû). These were often founded to serve as the residence of retired abbots, and featured sumptuous painting schemes. The 'dry landscape' (kare-sansui) garden was a common feature in temples, suggesting a vast scale using only the barest of means. In all areas of culture, the aesthetic principle that valued simplicity, austerity, and the weathering effects of time had a profound effect.