Kyoto Temple Tour: Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji school of the Rinzai sect, located in Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City. The temple's mountain name is Reigizan, and its principal image is the Shaka Triad. Officially, it is called Reigizan Tenryu Shisei Zenji. The temple was founded by Ashikaga Takauji, with Muso Soseki as its first abbot. Known as a Zen temple associated with the Ashikaga shogunate and Emperor Go-Daigo, it has been ranked first among Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples. One of its most notable features is the "Sogenchi Garden," which is said to retain the essence of the Muromachi period. This pond-centered strolling garden, designed with the scenic backdrop of Arashiyama and Kameyama, is considered the largest and most elegant masterpiece attributed to Muso Soseki. It is also one of Japan's first sites designated as both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Historic Site.