Tenryu-ji Temple in Kyoto: Highlights and Personal Photos with Insights into Japan’s First Historical Site and Special Scenic Beauty

2024-08-282024-09-02

Tenryuji Temple, located in Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most famous tourist destinations, was founded in 1339. This temple, with its expansive and beautiful gardens, was designated as Japan’s first historic site and special scenic spot, and is also internationally acclaimed and registered as a World Heritage Site. Here, you can fully enjoy the beautiful landscapes and the serene atmosphere unique to Zen temples.

This article will share the highlights of Tenryuji Temple, along with some personal photographs.

Getting to Tenryuji Temple from Kyoto Station

The most convenient way to reach Tenryuji Temple from Kyoto Station is by train.

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Board the JR Sagano(San-in) Line at Kyoto Station.

The JR Sagano(San-in) Line is located on platform 32 or 33. It can be accessed from either platform 32 or 33.

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Disembark at JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.

It takes about 20 minutes to get here from Kyoto Station.

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From the station, walk about 600m, which takes about 8 minutes.

After exitting the ticket gate, turn left and exit the station from the south gate.

The photo above is the front entrance.

Highlights of Tenryuji Temple

The building in the photo above, located at the end of the path directly ahead from the main gate entrance, is the entrance to the garden, which is the highlight of Tenryuji Temple.

It is said that the temple grounds were about ten times larger when it was originally built. Areas like the present-day Togetsu-kyo Bridge were also within the temple’s precincts. Although the current grounds cover approximately 100,000 square meters, it is still remarkably large for a temple in Kyoto.

The garden of Tenryuji Temple was created about 700 years ago. It was the first site in Japan to be designated as a National Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty, which is akin to a national treasure for landscapes. The Pond within the garden acts as a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains such as Arashiyama. The landscape, which skillfully incorporates these borrowed sceneries, is a stunning example of the beauty of Japanese gardens.

In addition to walking through the garden, I recommend sitting on a wooden bench and taking your time. On the day I visited, the temperature was a little high, so many people were sitting on the wooden benches in the shade and leisurely gazing at the garden.

In front of the pond, the landscape evokes the image of an elegant coastline.

In my personal opinion, this garden has a similar atmosphere to the garden of Ginkakuji Temple. It exudes a serene and tranquil ambiance.

On the opposite side of the pond is a dry waterfall, which is a prominent feature of Zen gardens called the “Ryumonbaku.” This represents the Chinese legend of “Toryumon,” where a carp ascends the waterfall’s rapids and transforms into a dragon.

As you proceed further into the grounds, you’ll find the Tahoden. It is said that this was a place where an emperor from around the year 1300 studied during his childhood. Today, a statue of the emperor is enshrined in the center of the building.

Next to the Tahoden, there is a spring guarded by three frogs, which are said to protect the Kannon statue located behind them. In front of the frog statues is an offering bowl, where it is believed that if you throw money into it, the amount will return to you multiplied. I personally felt it was a waste of money, so I didn’t try it, but many people were giving it a go. If you’re interested, give it a try!

After visiting the Tahoden Hall, I headed to the Hyakkaen Garden. This garden is filled with seasonal flowers and offers a soothing space for relaxation. At the entrance, I admired the beautiful blooming of the “Sarusuberi” (Crape Myrtle). The garden features a variety of flowers and trees, creating a tranquil environment where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll surrounded by nature.