Tenryuji
TEL : 075-881-1235（8:30〜17:00）Address : 68 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, KyotoAccess : JR Kyoto Station > (city bus number 11,28 and 93) > Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae bus stop Parking : There is a parking lot(Paid)
Introduction to Tenryuji temple
Tenryuji Temple was built in 1339. It is the head temple of the Tenryuji branch of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism and is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is located in Arashiyama, a major tourist destination in Kyoto.
Zen-style buildings and various paintings
After paying the admission fee and entering through the entrance, I found a folding screen with a picture of Bodhidharma. He is the founder of Zen who practiced zazen facing a wall for nine years. The wide eyes are very impressive.
I also visited various Zen-style buildings. The spacious Japanese-style room featured sliding door paintings of dragons and lions. A wooden statue of Emperor Godaigo is enshrined in the hall at the back.
A vast strolling garden with a pond
After viewing the buildings and halls, I walked through the Japanese garden at the back of the temple grounds. He is one of the most famous gardeners in Japanese history. There are benches in front of the garden, so I recommend spending some time relaxing here.
As I walked further inside, I came across the Fountain of Love, which is said to bestow love and happiness.
Nearby, there is also a huge stone shaped like an inkstone. It is said that if you visit here, your calligraphy and painting skills will improve.
Cherry blossoms bloom at Tenryuji Temple around the end of March. The pale pink flowers were in full bloom and it was very beautiful.
Other highlights
Although it is only open to the public for a limited time, the ceiling paintings in the Hatto hall are impressive. It is called the “eight-direction glaring dragon” because it appears to glare from any angle.
At “Shigetsu,” you can eat buddhist vegetarian cuisine prepared using traditional techniques without using meat or fish.
A Zazen (zen meditation) session is held in a building called Yuun-an on the second Sunday of every month from 9am to 10am. No reservations are required and even beginners can participate.
Sutra copying experiences are available by reservation at any time. The tools for copying sutras are provided at the temple, so you can participate empty-handed.
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