Sennyu-ji (泉涌寺) temple, located in the Higashiyama (東山) district, is otherwise called as "Mitera (御寺, Royal temple)", because the temple has a deep connection with the Royal family of Japan. Unryuin (雲龍院) is a sub-temple within Sennyu-ji which provides its visitors with a calm and relaxing time.
At this temple, each window has elaborate layout in order to give it a unique view. Especially at Renge no ma (蓮華の間, lotus flower room), there are Shoji (障子, screen made of thin wooden frame and Japanese craft paper) screens with four Shikishi (色紙, large square poetry card) shaped little windows. Each window commands a view of Tsubaki (椿, Camellia), Tourou (灯篭, stone garden lantern), Kaede (楓, maple tree), and Matsu (松, pine tree) respectively as shown in the picture below.
It is an expression of hospitality, in order to please visitors. I can imagine how visitors in the ancient time enjoyed the beautiful scenery from this room. When you feel groggy or lonely, please visit the temple and face this garden through four windows. It can surly soothe your mind.
Akane Kibune
Kyoto Certificate 1st Grade
Access:
15 mins. on foot from Sennyu-ji-michi, Kyoto City bus
Temple URL:
Sennyu-ji Temple Location Photo Plan URL:
*Visiting Unryuin is not included in the location photo package.
MAP:
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