I continue with my documentation of Japanese gardens we saw during our April trip to Japan, as I want to remember each and every one. Tenryu-ji Temple and Garden, which means Temple of the Celestial Dragon, was on my list of must-see gardens in Kyoto. It is located at the foot of the Arashiyama Mountains and is adjacent to the famed Bamboo Forest and Okochi Sanso Villa and Gardens, also on my list.
Beautiful view of the pond from the temple
This temple is considered one of the most important Zen temples in Kyoto and is listed as a World Heritage Site. Built in 1339, the buildings were lost several times to fires and wars over the centuries, yet the garden has survived in its original form. Imagine that!
Great example of the use of rocks in Japanese gardens
The garden was created by the famous garden designer of the time, Muso Soseki, and is considered one of the best examples of “borrowed scenery”, leveraging the gorgeous Arashiyama Mountains beyond the temple and gardens.
More of the beautiful rocks we fell in love with throughout Japan
We went through the temple first and then came out to see the pond with the spectacular rocks. It was a calm day so we were able to see the beautiful reflection of greenery in the pond. The azaleas were in bloom everywhere, and they brought in color to the sides of this pond.
Kasuga-doro garden lantern, characterized by its hexagon foundation and top, with curled “scrolls” on the top – a common site in Japanese gardens
Beyond the pond is a winding pathway up and around the hills where we saw pink and white azaleas, pieris japonica, rhododendrons and camellias in bloom.
Typical plant marker in many gardens
This temple and garden was full of tourists, as this site is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto. It’s a good idea to catch this garden early in the day…
