🗺️ Tenryu-ji天龍寺

Tenryū-ji is the head temple of the Rinzai sect Tenryū-ji branch. In 1339, during the early Muromachi period, Ashikaga Takauji ordered the founding of the temple by the monk Musō Soseki to pray for the repose of Emperor Go-Daigo. It holds a significant historical position as the foremost among the "Kyoto Five Mountains," a group of prestigious Zen temples in Kyoto during the Muromachi period. Tenryū-ji extends to the ruins of Emperor Go-Saga's "Kameyama Detached Palace" and is one of Japan's earliest historic sites and special scenic spots. In 1994, it was designated as part of the "Cultural Heritage of Ancient Kyoto" and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since its establishment, Tenryū-ji has experienced eight major fires, and the once grand structures have nearly vanished. The current buildings were rebuilt during the Meiji period. A must-see attraction at Tenryū-ji is the "Sōgen Pond Garden," which has been restored to reflect its original appearance. This pond-style strolling garden, set against the backdrop of Arashiyama and Kameyama, is said to have been created by the temple's founder, Musō Soseki. It perfectly blends the elegance of court culture with the rigor of ancient Chinese Song and Yuan culture, making it one of Japan's most renowned gardens. Another highlight is the Daruma painting displayed on the large folding screen at the main gate of the storehouse. Created by the famous monk Hirata Seiko, it uniquely captures the image of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. This painting symbolizes Zen temples and can be considered a signature artwork of Tenryū-ji. Additionally, the massive cloud and dragon painting on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall is widely recognized as a symbol of Tenryū-ji. Originally painted by the artist Suzuki Shōnen during the Meiji period, it suffered severe damage, leaving only a portion intact. The current cloud and dragon painting was created by Japanese artist Kayama Matazo on October 30, 2000, to commemorate the 650th anniversary of the passing of the founder Musō Soseki. It features 159 thick cedar boards, measuring 10.6 meters long and 12.6 meters wide, intricately depicting a dynamic flying dragon that gazes in all directions within a double circle of 9 meters in diameter. Its size, impact, and technique are truly remarkable.

The stunning highlight of the temple, the "Sōgen Pond Garden," is a renowned garden meticulously crafted by the Zen master Musō Soseki, and it retains the original appearance from its creation. The Daruma painting, modeled after the founder of Zen Buddhism, Bodhidharma, can be found in the Dharma Hall's ceiling. The "Cloud Dragon" painting depicts a magnificent, lifelike flying dragon that seems to gaze in all directions.