Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji school of the Rinzai Zen sect, located in Saga-Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, and is a renowned temple registered as one of the Cultural Properties of the Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site. Enveloped in beautiful nature and profound history, its grounds embody the essence of Zen teachings and Japanese culture, offering visitors a sense of tranquility and inspiration.

### The Founding and History of Tenryu-ji
Tenryu-ji was founded in 1339, during the second year of the Kenmu era, by Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, to pray for the repose of Emperor Go-Daigo. Emperor Go-Daigo is also known for establishing the Southern Court during the period of the Northern and Southern Courts. The esteemed Zen monk Muso Soseki was invited to serve as the founding abbot.

This site originally stood on the grounds of Danrin-ji, a Zen temple founded by Tachibana no Kachiko, the consort of Emperor Saga. It was later used as the detached palace of Emperor Gosaga and the temporary residence of Emperor Kameyama, making it a place of deep historical significance.

The temple’s construction funds were raised by Ashikaga Takauji’s younger brother, Naoyoshi, who, in consultation with Muso Soseki, reopened trade with Yuan China, which had been suspended at the time. This trade vessel became known as the “Tenryu-ji Ship” and remains a notable name in Japan’s trade history.

Completed in 1345, Tenryu-ji held a high status from the time of its founding and long served as a central institution of Zen Buddhism in Japan as the top-ranked temple among the Kyoto Gozan.

### Repeated Disasters and Reconstruction
Although Tenryu-ji once possessed magnificent temple buildings and extensive precincts, it has suffered eight major fires and repeated turmoil since its founding. In particular, the fires of 1447 and 1468, as well as the damage caused by the Onin War, were devastating, and reconstruction required many years.

Restoration finally began in 1585 with the support of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but the temple continued to be struck by fires and wartime destruction. In particular, during the Hamaguri Gate Incident of 1864, the entire complex was burned down again after being used as a stronghold by the Choshu domain.

With the Meiji era, reconstruction progressed in earnest, and the Dharma Hall, Hojo, and kitchen quarters were completed in 1899. The small Hojo (study hall), Tahoden, and tea pavilions such as Shounkaku and Kanu-tei were also rebuilt in succession, and by the early Showa period the present appearance of the temple was largely complete.

### Sogenchi Garden
One of Tenryu-ji’s highlights is Sogenchi Garden, designed by its founding abbot, Muso Soseki. This garden is one of the first in Japan to be designated simultaneously as a Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, preserving the appearance of some 700 years ago to the present day.

This strolling pond garden incorporates borrowed scenery from Arashiyama and Mt. Kameyama, and expresses the Zen spirit and aesthetic sensibility in every detail, including stone arrangements made with natural rocks, the Buddhist triad stone, floating islands, and the “Koi Fish Stone” based on the legend of the Dragon Gate.

The garden changes with the seasons, delighting visitors throughout the year with weeping cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter. The spring cherry blossoms are said to have been transplanted from Yoshino at the time of the temple’s founding, in reference to Emperor Go-Daigo’s love for Yoshino’s cherry blossoms.

### The Dharma Hall and the Cloud Dragon Painting
The Dharma Hall (Hatto) of Tenryu-ji is the central building where sermons and memorial services are held. Its ceiling features a massive “Cloud Dragon” painting by Japanese artist Matazo Kayama. Created to commemorate the 650th memorial of the founding abbot, it is a powerful and dynamic work of art.

This dragon is known as the “dragon that gazes in all directions,” and it is said that its eyes seem to meet yours from any angle. When visiting, be sure to view it from different positions.

### Other Highlights
The Hojo enshrines a seated Shaka Nyorai statue from the Fujiwara period.

Tahoden was rebuilt in the image of the Shishinden of the Southern Court, and in spring, weeping cherry blossoms bloom beautifully around it.

At the main entrance of the kitchen quarters (kuri), there is a folding screen featuring an image of Daruma Daishi, painted by former chief abbot Hirata Seiko. Its distinctive expression draws the eye of every visitor.

Exiting through the north gate leads to the charming Bamboo Grove Path, making Tenryu-ji an ideal stop during a stroll through Arashiyama.

Although the present-day Tenryu-ji occupies only about one-tenth of its former vast grounds—approximately 30,000 tsubo—it still retains many halls and subtemples, preserving the dignified presence of one of Kyoto’s foremost Zen temples.

As a place where Zen teachings, the weight of history, and the beauty of nature are harmoniously unified, Tenryu-ji welcomes many worshippers and tourists from Japan and abroad. When visiting Kyoto, be sure to quiet your mind and experience the solemn beauty of this remarkable place.