Tenjuan / Nanzenji Temple

Tenjuan is one of the sub-temples of Nanzenji Temple. It has fewer tourists than Suirokaku and Sanmon, but it is my favorite.

This temple was rebuilt in 1602 by Hosokawa Yusai. He was a samurai and a leading cultural figure at the time who studied poetry. Therefore, the concept of Tenjuan is more like a samurai study hall than a temple. Here are the graves of Yusai and his wife Maria.

The eastern garden is simple and modern. this is  based on Buddhist teachings.

However, once you enter this kido, the atmosphere changes completely.

* Kido is a partition door on a property made of wood or bamboo.

This is the south garden that stretches out in front of the Shoin. Shoin was a study where samurai read or wrote. Therefore, the garden is not a garden that you can show off to others and be proud of, nor is it a garden where you can create a sense of aesthetic satisfaction through elaborate designs. It is simply a garden where you can feel the breath of nature and the changing seasons.

This is the most refreshing garden in Kyoto. I could stay here for hours.

There is also a small garden with yellow irises in the back. This is the garden in front of the Tyasitu*.

* Tyasitu is a facility built in a Japanese style tea where the host of the tea ceremony invites guests and serves them tea.