Magnificent Tenryu-ji Temple, Kyoto 🇯🇵

#newyearnewtrip Tenryū-ji Temple! It’s a beautiful Zen Buddhist temple located in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. Tenryū-ji is the head temple of the Tenryū-ji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and is one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. It was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate, to honor Emperor Go-Daigo. One of the temple’s most famous features is its Sogenchi Garden, which is a stunning example of a classical Japanese garden. The garden has a beautiful pond and is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, including the nearby mountains. It’s particularly gorgeous during the cherry blossom season and the autumn foliage season. The temple itself is quite serene and a great place to experience Zen aesthetics. It’s also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.” * Explore the Temple Grounds: The main hall, or Hatto, is beautiful, with intricate wooden carvings and Buddhist statues. You can take your time to walk through the spacious temple grounds. * Stroll Through the Garden: The Sogenchi Garden, one of the oldest Zen gardens in Japan, is famous for its beautiful pond, which reflects the surrounding mountains and trees. It’s a peaceful spot for contemplation and photography. * Visit the Bamboo Grove: Just outside Tenryu-ji, there’s a stunning bamboo grove that connects to the Arashiyama area. It’s a magical spot to walk through, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when it’s less crowded. * Walk the Path to the Iwatayama Monkey Park: The temple is near the base of Mount Arashiyama. You can take a short hike to the Iwatayama Monkey Park, which offers stunning views of Kyoto and a chance to interact with wild macaques. * Tea at the Temple Café: Some of the temples around Tenryu-ji, like those in the nearby Arashiyama area, offer great spots for a traditional Japanese tea experience. If you want to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, look for one of these quaint spots. * Admire Seasonal Beauty: If you visit during cherry blossom season (spring) or autumn, the temple and garden look especially beautiful with changing leaves or blossoms. The contrast between the garden and surrounding nature is breathtaking. If you have time, you can also visit nearby attractions like the Tenryu-ji Temple’s Zen Museum or take a boat ride down the Hozu River. #tenryu-ji #kyoto #japan