Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto

Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto

If you arrive at Arashiyama Station on the "Randen" Railway, Tenryuji Temple is located to the right of Arashiyama Station. Tenryuji Temple was built in 1339 by ASHIKAGA Takauji (1305 - 1358) to perform a memorial service for Emperor GODAIGO (1288 - 1339). The founder was a priest, MUSO Soseki (1275 - 1351).

ASHIKAGA Takauji overthrew the Kamakura Bakufu, which was the feudal government of Japan in the Kamakura Age(1185 - 1333) together with NITTA Yoshisada(1301 - 1338).

You will go through two gates to the main temple area.

On your left, you will see the "Chokushimon" Gate, an gate for Imperial Envoys. The gate was originally built as a gate in the Imperial Palace. It was moved to the current location in 1641.

ASHIKAGA Takauji overthrew the Kamakura Bakufu together with NITTA Yoshisada and Emperor GODAIGO. However, he soon turned traitor to these people. NITTA Yoshisada was killed by ASHIKAGA Takauji in 1338. Emperor GODAIGO escaped to Yoshino and died there in 1339. It seems that ASHIKAGA Takauji might feel guilty to EMPEROR GODAIGO and built Tenryuji Temple to atone for his guilty conscience.

There are a couple of branch temples in the Tenryuji Temple. The below pictures show Kogenji Temple on the left and Shogenji Temple on the right.

Kogenji Temple was founded in 1429 by HOSOKAWA Mochiyuki(1400 - 1442), who was a deputy of Shogunate in the Muromachi Age (1336 - 1573) . Shogenji Temple was founded in 1353.

To the south of Shogenji Tenple, "Hatto Hall", Lecture Hall, of Tenryuji Temple is located.

The original "Hatto" Hall was destroyed by the "Kinmon no Hen" , the Rebellion at the Hamaguri-gomon Gate, in 1864. "Zen" meditation hall of Unkyoan temple, a branch temple of Tenryuji temple, was moved and rebuilt as the second "Hatto" Hall in 1899. In 1997, The "Unryuzu", a paint of Dragons and clouds, was painted on the ceiling of "Hatto" Hall.

To the north-west of "Hatto" Hall, "Kuri", the priests' living quarters, is located. At the entrance pf "Kuri", the painting of Bodhidharma is displayed. "Kuri" was rebuilt in 1899.

You will go to "Hojyo" Hall, the Main Hall, through "Kuri". From "Hojyo" Hall, you will see the "Sogenchi" Garden.

The Sogenchi Garden was built by MUSO Soseki, founder of Tenryuji Temple. MUSO Soseki was the first garden planner in Japan. His gardens had very high reputation. The scenery of "Ryumon-Baku Waterfalls and rock islands are especially well-known.

The "Sogenchi" Garden was designated as the first Special Scenic Spot of Japan. You also will be able to walk around the pond.

The scenery of the "Sogenchi" Garden on the pond was very beautiful. In autumn, the garden becomes much beautiful.

To the south of "Hojo" Hall, "Hogenin" Temple is located. "Hogenin" Temple is a branch temple of Tenryuji Temple. The garden of "Hogenin" Temple is also very beautiful.

Especially, the moss garden is very impressive.

The garden is very quiet, A small creek flows in the garden. You will feel as if you are in a forest.

At the end of the Kamakura Age (1185 - 1333) , the five most important Rinzai temples in Kyoto and Kamakura were respectively selected. Nanzenji Temple was considered extraordinarily important and put in the position above these other ten important temples. Tenryuji Temple was designated as the first Rinzai Temple in Kyoto.

Please refer the page of Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto:
http://handejapan19.html.xdomain.jp/TravelDestinations/Kansai/NanzenjiTemple_E.html

Because of these beautiful gardens, Tenryuji Temple is designated as a World Heritage.

How to get there
From Kyoto Station, take a JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama. From downtown Kyoto, take a Randen train, the Arashiyama Main Line of Keifuku Railway to Arashiyama. Tenryuji Temple is located to the right hand of Arashiyama Station.

Other Historical Sites near by:
Sagano Area
Jojakkoji Temple
Gioji Temple
Saga-Toriimoto
Adashino Area