A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Zen Architectural Masterpiece
Tenryu-ji ⭐⭐⭐, a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, is one of the most important and famous temples in the city, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its design is considered one of the finest examples of Zen architecture in Japan.
The temple is set in a beautiful wooded area, surrounded by gardens and ponds. The main buildings include the Butsuden (Buddha Hall), the Hojo (Abbot's Quarters), and the Sanmon (Main Gate). The Butsuden is the largest building in the temple, and houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The Hojo is a two-story building that was once used by the abbots of the temple. The Sanmon is a large gate that is the entrance to the temple complex.
Tenryu-ji: A UNESCO World Heritage Site (YouTube link)
- Sogenchi Teien (Sogen Pond Garden): This garden was the first place in Japan to receive the designation of a Historic Site and Place of Unusual Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Designed for strolling, it offers ever-changing views of a picturesque pond and incorporates the surrounding mountains through "borrowed scenery (借景/shakkei)." Notably unchanged since the 18th century, the garden features a unique stone arrangement symbolizing a carp transforming into a dragon, representing Zen enlightenment.
- Hyakka’en (Garden of a Hundred Flowers): Established in 1983, Hyakka-en boasts flowering trees, bushes, and herbs. The path winds uphill, offering scenic views before leading out to the renowned Sagano Bamboo Forest.
Photo Gallery
A bright May day in 2023 found us in Kyoto, Japan, eager to explore Tenryu-ji Temple. With tickets for the "Tenryu-ji Garden and Buildings" in hand, we began our journey by immersing ourselves in the temple's architecture before stepping into the serene embrace of its famed garden.
Main Buildings
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| Kohojo serves as Tenryu-ji's guest reception area |
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| The covered corridor links the Kohojo (or Small Hojo) to the Tahoden (多宝殿 ) |
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| The interior of Tahoden |
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| Outer veranda of Tahoden |
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| Exterior of Tahoden |
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| Interior of Daihojo |
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| Interior of Daihojo |
Gardens
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| Entrance to the buildings |
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| Sogenchi Pond Garden 曹源池庭園 |
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| Peace Kannon and Fountain of Love (平和観音と愛の泉) |
"Tenryu-ji Garden and Buildings" Admission Ticket
The "Tenryu-ji Garden and Buildings" admission ticket includes the following:
- Tenryu-ji Garden
- The garden is divided into two parts: the upper garden and the lower garden.
- The upper garden is more formal, and features a pond, a waterfall, and a number of stone lanterns.
- The lower garden is more informal, and features a variety of plants and trees.
- Butsuden (Buddha Hall)
- This is the largest building in the temple, and houses a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.
- Hojo (Abbot's Quarters): This is a two-story building that was once used by the abbots of the temple. It now houses a museum with exhibits on the history and culture of Tenryu-ji.
- Sanmon (Main Gate): This is a large gate that is the entrance to the temple complex.
- Tahoden (Hall of Many Treasures): This hall houses a statue of Emperor Go-Daigo, who was responsible for the founding of Tenryu-ji.
- Shoin (Drawing Hall): This hall was once used by the abbots of the temple to receive guests. It now houses a tea room and a meditation hall.
- Shoun-kaku Teahouse & Kan'u-tei Teahouse: The Shoun-kaku and Kan'u-tei are teahouses located to the right of the path leading from the Kohojo to the Tahoden.
- Shoun-kaku Teahouse: This teahouse is located in the upper garden. It offers stunning views of the garden and the surrounding mountains.
- Kan'u-tei Teahouse: This teahouse is located in the lower garden. It offers a more secluded and intimate setting for enjoying tea.
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