Tahoden (Hall of Many Treasures) — Local services in Kyoto

Tenryū-ji wasn’t just a highlight of my trip to Kyoto — it was one of those places that quietly takes your breath away. Located right in the heart of Arashiyama, it’s both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the head temple of the Rinzai Zen school of Buddhism. But beyond the titles and history, this place has a presence — calm, elegant, and timeless.

I visited early in the morning, just as the fog was still hanging over the nearby bamboo grove. Stepping through the main gate, I immediately felt a sense of stillness. Even with other visitors around, the atmosphere was respectful and quiet. The entrance path is lined with traditional wooden buildings and stone walkways, leading to the real gem of the site: the Sōgenchi Garden.

This garden is absolutely stunning. Designed by Musō Soseki in the 14th century, it’s centered around a reflective pond, surrounded by rocks, pine trees, and low hills. The way everything flows — the angles, the colors, the textures — it’s the definition of harmony. I spent a long time just sitting and watching the koi swim under the maple leaves, listening to the wind in the trees. I didn’t need a tour guide. The garden speaks for itself.

Inside the main hall, you’re allowed to walk on the polished wooden floors (no shoes, of course) and look out over the garden from the veranda. It’s one of those rare moments when architecture, nature, and silence all blend perfectly. There’s no need to rush here. Take your time.

What I loved most was how accessible the beauty is. You don’t have to be an expert in Zen or Japanese history to feel the peace of this place. It just… calms you.

After walking through the garden and buildings, I exited toward the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which is literally connected to the temple’s grounds — a perfect transition from stillness to nature.

The entry fee was 500 yen (with an optional 300 yen to enter the temple’s main hall). For what you get, it’s a bargain. Compared to some other temples that feel a bit more "tourist-oriented," Tenryū-ji feels authentic, sacred, and thoughtfully preserved.

Final thoughts: If you only visit one temple in Kyoto, Tenryū-ji should be it. It’s not just beautiful — it gives you space to feel. Whether you’re into photography, Zen, or just want a quiet place to breathe in Kyoto, this temple delivers...

Tahoden is the memorial hall of Emperor Go Daigo, who successfully overthrew Kamakura Shogunate in 1333 and established the short lived Kenmu Restoration to bring Imperial House back into power. 足利尊氏当年为何选在灵龟山建天龙寺呢?缘由是后醍醐天皇在此度过童年时代。 在殿下学习和快乐成长的地方建祭祀寺庙, 就是为了安抚皇灵! 多宝殿就是后醍醐天皇的圣庙,...

後醍醐天皇聖廟勿寶殿

此の地は禅宗 檀林寺の旧跡にして、 後嵯峨亀山天皇の仙居を造営せられた所である。 尊治親王もここに修学せられ成人して武中興大 英圭後醍醐天皇と尊称し上る。

延元四年(西紀一三三九)八月十六日、天皇は 秋霧の立つ吉野行宮で左手に法華経の 第五巻を持たせられ、右手に宝剣を持して、 「王骨は仮び南山の苔に埋るとも魂魄は常に北閣の天を望まんと思う」と切切たるや、御遺勅を賜りて 崩御ならや光厳上皇は院宣を下して御菩提の 為に離宮を革めて禅刹天龍寺とせられた。 創建以来八回の火災に遭い昭和九年、精拙禅師十方に勧進して、現在の聖廟の 朝時代の紫宸殿さながらの建築様式である。中央に後醍醐天皇の...