This month’s temple – Tenryuji

Tenryuji is located in a popular location of Kyoto called Arashimaya, on a lively street full of tourists. Tenryuji represents the temples of the Zen sect of Kyoto and is also rated number one out of the “Five Mountain” temples.  The temple is surrounded by a solemn atmosphere which is common amongst most Zen temples. There is a well-kept garden that is especially beautiful during the fall foliage season.
Tenryuji was built in the year 1345 in the Muromachi Era by the first shogun Ashikaga Takauji in order to honor his enemy, who was once his good friend, Emperor Godaigo’s death. The temple is currently a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list.