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Read the English + Japanese version｜英語＋日本語版はこちら
Introduction｜はじめに
A quiet pond.
Stones rising from the water.
Mountains beyond the garden.
Tenryu-ji Temple stands
in Arashiyama, Kyoto.
Founded in 1339,
this Zen temple is part of
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its famous Sogenchi Garden
still preserves the character
of its nearly 700-year-old design.
But look a little closer.
The garden holds a story of a dragon,
and a view that reaches
beyond its boundaries.
A Garden Through Time｜約700年前の庭園
Tenryu-ji was founded in 1339
by Ashikaga Takauji,
with the Zen master Muso Soseki
as its founding abbot.
The temple was established
to honor Emperor Go-Daigo
after his death.
Over the centuries,
fires destroyed many
of the temple buildings.
The buildings we see today
were largely rebuilt
in later times.
Yet Sogenchi Garden,
created under Muso Soseki,
still preserves much
of its medieval character.
■ Memo｜A Garden That Survived
Sogenchi Garden was one of
the first gardens in Japan
to be designated
both a Historic Site
and a Place of Scenic Beauty.
It was later designated
a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
Not every stone and shoreline
has remained unchanged.
Still, the pond and landscape
offer a glimpse of a garden
created centuries ago.
The Dragon Gate Waterfall｜石組に隠された龍の物語
Look toward the stones
at the far side of the pond.
Among them is an arrangement
known as Ryumon-baku,
the Dragon Gate Waterfall.
The arrangement represents
a waterfall from an old
Chinese legend.
In the story, a carp climbs
a powerful waterfall
and transforms into a dragon.
■ Memo｜A Carp Becoming a Dragon
The garden’s carp stone
is placed beside
the imagined waterfall.
It is said to represent
the carp in the process
of becoming a dragon.
At first, we saw only stones
beside a pond.
Now those same stones
hold an ancient story.
What other stories
might this garden hold?
Borrowed Scenery｜庭園はどこまで続く？
Now lift your eyes
beyond the pond.
Behind the garden,
the mountains of Arashiyama
and Kameyama become
part of the view.
This technique is called
shakkei, or borrowed scenery.
Instead of limiting the view
to the garden itself,
the surrounding landscape
becomes part of its design.
■ Photo Tip｜Including the Mountains
Try including the pond,
stone arrangements,
and mountains
in the same frame.
A wider view helps show
how the garden connects
with the surrounding landscape.
The pond is inside the garden.
The mountains are far beyond it.
Yet from here,
they appear together
as one landscape.
A Walk Beyond the Pond｜庭園の奥へ歩いてみる
After enjoying the pond,
continue through the garden.
The paths lead past trees
and seasonal plants
toward Hyakka-en Garden.
From the north gate,
visitors can continue
toward the famous
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
The garden walk becomes
part of a wider journey
through Sagano.
🟫 CAT MEMO 🐾
“Did it just move?
Or was it my imagination?🐸”
🗺 Google Map
Please check admission details, photography rules,
and the latest visitor information on the official website before your visit.
Official Website
Tenryu-ji Temple｜天龍寺公式サイト
Tenryu-ji offers more
than its beautiful garden.
Explore the Daihojo,
discover the dragon
painted on the Hatto ceiling,
and enjoy a peaceful walk
toward the Bamboo Grove.
Take your time
and enjoy discovering
the many charms of Tenryu-ji.
Thank you
for visiting
Tenryu-ji Temple.
May your time here
bring you peace
and beautiful memories.
And may your journey
through Kyoto
be a wonderful one. 🐾
🗺 Explore More Kyoto Areas｜京都のエリアから探す
Kyoto is divided into several unique areas, each offering different attractions and experiences.
