Tenryuji Temple (天龍寺)

Posted in Kyoto by yumtravels

Tenryuji is the most important zen temple of the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. Built in 1339 by shogun Ashikaga Takaui in honor of late Emperor Go-Daigo. It is now a UNESCO world heritage site.

Zen garden when you first walk into the temple.

Many of its original buildings were lost overtime to fire and wars. Its current buildings were rebuilt during the Meiji period. The original garden created by Muso Soseki, the first priest of Tenryuji, still stands today.

Overall, I didn’t find this temple to be impressive. Maybe because I saw too many temples and was tired of them at this point. I enjoyed the zen garden of Kodaiji Temple more.

Admission: 500 yen

(Japan〒616-8385 京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町６８)

12Jun2015

Kodaiji Temple

Posted in Kyoto by yumtravels

Kodaiji temple was my favorite temple on this trip. The zen qualities of the temple was soothing among the busy rhythm of this trip.

This temple was built in 1605 by Kita-no-Mandokoro, also known as Nene, in honor of her late husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi. However the temple is named after Kita-no-Mandokoro’s honorary name Kodai-in.

Peaceful zen stone garden in front of the main hall.

Kaisan-do, Founder’s Hall, with bonsai trees.

Hojo, main hall, rebuilt after being burned down in 1912.

Garyoro corridor, named after the resemblance to the back of a reclining dragon.

Mausoleum enshrining Toyotomi and Nene.

Shigure-tei teahouse constructed by bamboo and logs interwoven in a radiating pattern.

Next up on my house plans will be a bamboo forest.

Huge goddess statue.

Admission: 500 yen

(Japan, 〒605-0825 京都府京都市東山区下河原町八坂鳥居前下る下河原町526)

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

An oasis of lush greenery, tea houses, former residences, koi, and bridges within the city. A perfect place to picnic or take wedding photos. No need to bring food for the picnic. They sell bento boxes and drinks through out the park.