Tenryuji Temple is located in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, and is a World Heritage Site and a representative Zen temple of Arashiyama.
Tenryuji Temple is a popular spot known for its “Sogenchi Teien”, a strolling pond garden that changes from season to season, Daruma painting (an illustration of Bodhidharma, one of the founder of the Zen sect), and Cloud dragon painting on the ceiling.
Daruma painting
About Tenryuji Temple
Tenryuji Temple was established in 1339 by shogun Ashikaga Takauji and eminent Zen master Muso Soseki appointed as founding abbot.
The purpose of Tenryuji Temple’s construction was to mourn the loss of Emperor Godaigo.
At that time, Tenryuji Temple covered a vast area, including Arashiyama, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Kameyama Park to the west of the temple.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Tenryuji Temple suffered eight major fires in 1358, 1367, 1373, 1380, 1447, 1468, 1815, and 1864.
In addition, the city was severely damaged during the Onin War (a civil war that lasted for 11 years and was mainly fought in Kyoto).
Despite these adversities, Tenryuji Temple has continued to rebuild and reconstruct itself, and is still standing today.
There is also a Cloud dragon painting at Daihojo (Abbot’s Quarters)
