Looking for a slice of zen in Kyoto? Tenryu-ji Temple might be your perfect chill spot. This gorgeous temple in the Arashiyama area isn’t just another pretty face among Places to visit in Kyoto – it’s got serious bragging rights as one of Japan’s most important Zen temples. Picture this: a beautiful garden that makes your Instagram followers drool, complete with a massive pond that reflects everything like nature’s own mirror. Tenryuji was ranked first among the city’s five great Zen temples and is now registered as a world heritage site. It is the head temple of its own school within the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism. Exploring this temple is one of the best things to do in Japan.
Trust Us, wandering through these grounds is one of the best things to do in Kyoto, especially when you spot the fierce dragon painted on the temple ceiling (fun fact: that’s actually how the temple got its name!). Our Japan Tour Packages swing by here, and once you see the fall colors or spring cherry blossoms doing their thing over the pond, you’ll understand why. Even if you’re not into the whole meditation scene, the peaceful vibes here are enough to make your worries float away like leaves in the garden’s breeze.
Let’s begin with the incredible Tenryu-ji Temple history. Founded by Ashikaga Takauji, a great military leader in 1339, the temple was for Emperor Go-Daigo. The temple was not only a gesture but also a way to have peace in the troubled country.The temple’s design and spiritual philosophy were quite significantly impacted by the role of Zen master Muso Soseki. Through his guidance, it became a center for Zen Buddhism and hugely influential.
However, life hasn’t always been smooth for Tenryu-ji Temple Kyoto. Fires, wars, and natural disasters have tried to bring it down time and again; however, as a true warrior, the temple has been rebuilt time and again. Today, it stands tall as a symbol of resilience and beauty. As you walk through its corridors, you can feel the layers of history whispering their stories.
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