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Tenju-an

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Picture a small, moss-covered bridge leading you to a hidden oasis. This is Tenju-an, a tranquil Zen temple nestled at the foot of the Higashiyama Mountains in Kyoto. Tenju-an is a subsidiary of the neighboring Nanzen-ji, a bustling temple complex. It is said that Tenju-an, meaning “heaven given”, was built in 1337 during the Northern and Southern Courts period, though it was destroyed during Japan’s tumultuous Warring States period that spanned the 15th and 16th centuries. The present buildings, including the main gate and pavilion, were rebuilt around 1602. Tenju-an is a haven of peace and serenity, especially after the hustle and bustle of Nanzen-ji. Here, you can find two distinct gardens – the East Garden and the South Garden. The East Garden is a karesansui, a dry landscape garden, with white gravel, stones, and moss, designed to evoke nature’s beauty through abstraction. A small, moss-covered porch welcomes you into the South Garden. This garden, with its modern wooden bridge, leads you to a serene bamboo grove. As you stroll through the grove, you will find a pond with countless koi carp peacefully swimming amongst the water lilies. Tenju-an is an excellent example of traditional Zen architecture, offering respite from the city’s energy. It is a place to explore, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

After discovering the story of Tenju-an in Kyoto, you may wonder how to explore even more of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Explory makes it simple: our digital guide gives you instant access to the city’s culture, history, and unique atmosphere. With our interactive city guide, you can uncover the background of Kyoto while following engaging routes designed for curious travelers. Whether you’re on a short trip or staying longer, Explory transforms your visit into a personalized city tour that connects stories with places in an intuitive way. Explory is more than just an ordinary travel tool – it is your companion for deeper exploration of Kyoto. Each guide combines expert storytelling with easy navigation, allowing you to discover well-known highlights and hidden gems that most visitors overlook. With the city guide, you can plan your route across landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural spots, all enriched by immersive audio storytelling. Our audio guide brings the atmosphere of Kyoto directly to your ears, making each step of your journey more meaningful. Whether you are passionate about art, architecture, history, or everyday culture, Explory helps you connect with the spirit of Kyoto. The carefully curated guide highlights what makes this city special, while the interactive city tour lets you explore on your own terms. Thanks to our focus on exploration and unique hidden gems, you’ll enjoy a travel experience that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing. Explory turns every visit into a memorable adventure where stories and places come alive. Download the Explory App now to continue your journey beyond Kyoto. Inside the app, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories waiting for you. Whether you are searching for a smart audio guide, planning your next city tour, or simply looking for inspiration through a rich guide, Explory is your key to exploring the world differently. Start today and unlock the full potential of Kyoto with Explory – your ultimate travel companion.

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