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

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    Walking through the Sogenchi Garden at Tenryu-ji, you can hear birds singing, feel the gentle breeze, see the play of light and shadow on the trees, and watch the ripples on the water. If you close your eyes and use all your senses to take in the subtle changes in nature, it's truly a wonderful feeling!

  • The Sogenchi Garden at Tenryu-ji blends perfectly with the distant Arashiyama scenery, making it feel like one huge garden. The landscape designer did an amazing job.

  • The garden inside the temple is beautifully designed. The white sand, rocks, and pine trees around the pond are all thoughtfully arranged.

  • You can really appreciate Japanese garden culture through the dry landscape garden here. The beauty is simple yet sophisticated.

  • The garden is really well maintained. Visiting in different seasons would definitely give you a new experience each time.

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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: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (Last Admission 4:50 pm)
Temple Buildings: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm (Last Admission 4:30 pm)
Hatto “Unryu-zu” (Dragon Painting): 9:00 am - 4:30 pm (Last Admission 4:20 pm)
※ Open Only On Saturdays, Sundays, And Public Holidays
There Are Also Additional Days When Entry Is Not Available. Please Check The Official Website.
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)