Tenryu-ji Temple

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Tenryu-ji Temple

This Zen temple was once ranked first among Kyoto's Five Mountains, and it is also designated as a World Heritage Site. There are many things to see in the precincts, including Sogenchi Teien (Sogen Pond Garden) and Unryuzu (Cloud-Dragon Painting).

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This is the head temple of the Tenryuji sect of the RInzai school. It was founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339, during the early Muromachi period, in memory of Emperor Go-daigo, with Muso Kokushi (the eminent Zen master Muso Soseki) appointed as founding abbot. It was ranked first among Kyoto's Five Mountains of Zen temples. The temple’s precincts, which stretch across the site of Emperor Go-Saga’s Kameyama detached palace, are both Japan’s first historic site and special scenic beauty. They were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 as a part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”.

Since its founding, Tenryu-ji has been ravaged by 8 major fires, and most of the current halls were rebuilt during the Meiji period. The Sogenchi Teien, on the other hand, retains its original appearance, which is a strolling pond garden with Arashiyama and Kameyama in the background, and is said to have been designed by the founder of the temple, Muso Kokushi. It is one of the best gardens in Japan, in harmony with the elegance of the royal culture and the severity of the Song and Yuan cultures.

The highlight of the halls is a large painting screen of Bodhidharma in front of the entrance hall of Kuri (Living hall). It was painted by the Rev. Hirata Seiko, the former Chief Abbot, and portrays the Zen Buddhism’s founder, Bodhidharma, with a unique touch and expression. It is a masterpiece symbolizing a Zen temple and representing the face of this temple.

The most famous symbol of Tenryu-ji Temple is Unryuzu (Cloud-Dragon Painting), the painting of dragons on the ceiling of Hatto (Dharma Hall). Originally it was painted by Shonen Suzuki in the Meiji period, but due to severe damage, a portion of the painting was reserved. The current Unryuzu was painted by Matazo Kayama, as part of the project commemorating the 650th anniversary of the death of Tenryu-ji’s founder, Muso Kokushi on October 30, 2000. The ceiling of 10.6 meters long and 12.6 meters wide was covered with 159 cedar planks, each 3 centimeters thick, and a 9-meter-diameter double circle with a magnificent depiction of a dragon painting glaring in all directions. The size, power, and depiction are all dynamic and breathtaking.

Highlights

  • Sogenchi Teien, a masterpiece designed by Muso Kokushi, retains its original appearance.
  • The painting of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism.
  • Unryuzu, the Cloud-Dragon painting, glares in all directions on Hatoo’s ceiling.

Photos

  • Sogenchi Teien, Japan’s first historic site, and special scenic beauty.

    Sogenchi Teien, Japan’s first historic site, and special scenic beauty.

  • Sogenchi Teien and fall Leaves.

    Sogenchi Teien and fall Leaves.

  • Unryuzu, the Cloud-Dragon painting on Hatoo’s ceiling.

    Unryuzu, the Cloud-Dragon painting on Hatoo’s ceiling.

  • The painting of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism

    The painting of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism

  • There are also regular events such as zazen-kai (Zen meditation sessions).

    There are also regular events such as zazen-kai (Zen meditation sessions).

  • Shojin ryori (Zen vegetarian cuisine) is available at the restaurant on the precincts.

    Shojin ryori (Zen vegetarian cuisine) is available at the restaurant on the precincts.

Reviews

8
  • Kay Lin

    走在天龍寺的曹源池庭園,可以感受鳥的鳴叫、微風徐來、樹木的光影、水面的波動等,閉上眼睛用五感去感受自然界各種細微的變化,那種感覺是很美妙!

  • 橘子

    天龍寺曹源池庭園和遠處嵐山景色相連,彷彿是一個偌大的庭園,設計主持景觀的人真是厲害。

  • 秀齡

    寺廟內庭園造景池塘邊佈著的白沙、岩岩、松樹等搭配很好很講究。

  • Sandy Kou

    枯山水造景可以細細體會日本庭園文化,簡約而不簡單的美。

  • 簡福

    庭園很用心維護,不同季節來感受一定也不一樣。

Details

Name in Japanese
天龍寺
Postal Code
616-8385
Address
68 Sagatenryujisusukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Telephone
075-881-1235
Holiday
Open every day
Hours
Garden 8:30am-5:00pm (Last admission 4:50pm),
Halls 8:30am-4:45pm (Last admission 4:30pm),
Hatto “Cloud Dragon” 9:00am-4:30pm (Last admission 4:20pm) *Open only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, except January 1st and 2nd. Open every day during the special designated periods in spring, summer, and autumn.
Admission
Garden only 500 yen (additional 300 yen for Halls),
Special admission for the Cloud Dragon in Hatto 500 yen
Directions
1) A 1-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Dentetsu (Randen) Arashiyama Line.
2) A 13-minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
3) A 15-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)