Tenryu-ji Temple, Kyoto

Expansive, adorned with cherry blossoms and maple trees, and honored as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Tenryu-ji is a haven nestled in the midst of popular Arashiyama. Despite drawing a steady stream of visitors, its generous proportions easily accommodate the crowds.

Established in 1339 by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji (1305-1358) in attempt to appease the spirit of Emperor Go-Daigo, whom he had once betrayed in his pursuit of power, Tenryu-ji originally comprised 150 buildings, many of which succumbed to fires over the centuries. The structures standing today date back to the Meiji period, yet the garden remains a testament to its original design by the revered garden master Muso Soseki, the temple's first head priest.

Along the approach to the temple, subtemples line the pathway, their open gates revealing immaculate front gardens. At the center lies the Lotus Pond, captivating visitors when the lotus flowers bloom in July, symbolizing enlightenment. The Lecture Hall, reconstructed in 1900, features a ceiling painted with a dragon amidst swirling clouds, alongside a statue of Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha. Additionally, Tenryu-ji offers a refined dining experience with its high-end Zen restaurant.