Tenryu-ji (Ukyo-ku, Kyoto) is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen. It was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to console the spirit of Emperor Go-Daigo.
Since its founding, Tenryu-ji has suffered heavy damage from repeated fires and the Onin War. Rebuilding began with a donation from Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but in the Kinmon Incident of 1864 the temple became the base of the Choshu domain and burned down once again.
Under the land requisition order of 1877, the grounds were reduced. The present buildings date from the Meiji era onward, and the site is about one-tenth of its original size.
Tenryu-ji was the first place in Japan designated both a Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and in 1994 it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
Highlights of Tenryu-ji
- Sogenchi Garden
- The Cloud Dragon painting
- Bodhidharma painting
- The “Spring of Love”
- A wide variety of plants
Information
- Tenryu-ji
- Address: 68 Saga-Tenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
- Open every day of the year
- Hours: 8:30–17:00
- Phone: 075-881-1235
- Website: http://www.tenryuji.com
- Information is as of the original Japanese article (2020). Please check the official website for the latest details before visiting.
Reporting: 山下大輔 / Text: EeNa editorial team
