Best Gardens of Kyoto

Ryoan-ji (Peaceful Dragon Temple) in Kyoto belongs to the most famous Zen Temples in Japan. The reason for this status is its rock garden with 15 stones called Sekitei. In 1450 Hosokawa Katsumoto, a feudal lord, established the temple. The large Kyoyochi Pond at the temple grounds is also part of my best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto list.

Address: 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001

Ginkaku-ji Temple also known as "Temple of the Silver Pavilion" is one of the most famous Zen temples in Kyoto. Ginkaku-ji was built in 1460 as the retirement villa for the shogun and art lover Ashikaga Yoshimasa (1436 - 1490). It is home to a dry sand garden, also known as the Sea of Silver Sand, designed by artist and architect Soami (1465 - 1523). Its highlight is the sand cone, representing Mount Fuji, with a height of 2 meters. The last extensive restoration of the temple started in 2008 and was completed in 2010.

Address: 2 Ginakuji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8402

People visit the Tofukuji Temple for its famous Zen gardens and the 100 m-long Tsutenkyo Bridge. The bridge offers amazing views of vibrant autumn leaves or the lush greenery of the approximately 2000 maple trees (momiji). The Tofukuji complex dates back to 1236 and consists of 24 sub-temples and covers an area of 240000 square meters, which makes it the largest in Kyoto.

Address: 15 Chome-778 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0981

In 1339 Tenryu-ji was built by shogun Ashikaga Takauji (1305 - 1358). Tenryu-ji Temple or "Heavenly Dragon Temple" belongs to the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto (Kyoto Gozan). This impressive head temple of the Rinzai Zen Buddhism School is truly a highlight within the Arashiyama district. Tenryu-ji Garden (Sogenchi-teien) belongs to the property and is one of the best and most beautiful gardens in Kyoto.

Address: 68 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga Tenryu-ji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8385

Kinkaku-ji officially named Rokuonji Temple includes a very special three-story building with a height of 12.5 meters. The two upper stories are completely covered in gold leaf. It is one of the most popular and beautiful buildings in Japan and a perfect example of the construction style during the Muromachi period (1337 - 1573). Kinkaku-ji is surrounded by a wonderful garden with moss-covered ground and a large pond. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and the reflection of the building in the water.

Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361

Heian Shrine (Heian-jingu) is an outstanding Shinto Shrine in Kyoto and an important cultural property of Japan. The entrance gate (torii) of the shrine is with a height of 24,2 meters one of the largest in Japan and the impressive beams are 3,63 meters in diameter. The four gardens behind the main building are a National Site of Scenic Beauty. Heian-jingu honors the first and last ruling emperors (Kammu 737-806, Komei 1831-1866) from Kyoto.

Address: Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341

Shosei-en Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese formal garden. Shosei-en is owned by the Higashi Honganji Temple in Kyoto. The garden covers an area of approximately 33000 square meters. You can find here a large pond at its center, tea houses, stone lanterns, bridges, reception halls, cherry trees, and much more. It is the perfect place to enjoy the cherry blossom season in March and April.

Address: 300 Higashi-Tamamizu-cho, Simojyuzuyamachi-dori, Ainomachi-Higashiiru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8190

Honen-in is an independent Jodo-shu temple. The small and unique temple dates back to 1680 and can be found near the Philosopher´s Walk. The beautiful stroll garden can be entered for free. Near the entrance gate, you will see two sand mounds, which are needed to purify the visitors. Honen-in is now a meeting place for artists and lovers of Buddhism. Enjoy here monthly events like tea ceremonies, exhibitions, and concerts.

Address: 30 Goshonodan-cho, Shishigatani, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8422

Entokuin Temple in Kyoto is a sub-temple of Kodai-ji. People come here to admire the beautiful North Garden, which got the status of a Designated Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. The stunning Zen garden was restored by the famous garden designer Kobori Ensyu (1579 - 1647). It contains rocks and stones, which were brought here from all over the country. Entokuin Temple was built by Nene (1549 - 1624), also known as Kitanomandokoro, in 1605.

Address: 530 Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0825

Nanzenji, formerly known as Zenrinji, is a large Zen Buddhist temple complex in Kyoto. It is also one of the head temples within the Rinzai sect (one of three major Zen Buddhist sects in Japan). Since 1951 the garden with the name - Leaping Tiger Garden - has the status of a National Site of Scenic Beauty. The combination of big rocks, raked gravel, and green moos is outstandingly beautiful. Nanzenji is the superior temple to the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto (Kyoto Gozan), which are Tenryu-ji, Shokoku-ji, Kennin-ji, Tofuku-ji, and Manju-ji.

Address: 86 Fukuchi-cho, Nanzen-ji, Sakyo-ku Kyoto, 606-8435

I have visited Japan nearly every year since 2004. This is my collection of the 100 best moments in my favorite country. Enjoy the pictures and I hope you will start your own journey soon.
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