The Ancient Temples of Kyoto

Introduction

Kyoto has a long and rich history as the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years. As the center of culture and religion, Kyoto is home to over 2,000 Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and imperial palaces. Among the most famous and admired are the ancient Zen Buddhist temples, renowned for their elegant architecture, peaceful gardens, and priceless artwork. These temples offer a glimpse into historic Zen culture and the beauty of traditional Japanese design.

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most celebrated temples in Kyoto, originally founded in 780 AD during the early days of the city. The temple is best known for its grand wooden stage, built on towering pillars extending over the hillside. Visitors can stand on the 13 meter high platform for a panoramic view of the trees and city below. The iconic stage exemplifies traditional Japanese carpentry techniques without the use of nails.

The temple complex houses dozens of shrines, halls, and gates. The main hall contains a small statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon Buddha, surrounded by electric lights for an ethereal effect. Venture further to visit the Jishu Shrine dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking, where couples try to walk between two stones placed 20 meters apart with their eyes closed. Lovers believe the feat will bring good fortune. The Ontaku Shrine also resides within the temple grounds.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple with a brilliant gold leaf coating on the top two floors contrasting with the simple white walls below. Though originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was converted to a temple upon his death. The extravagant gold facade reflects beautifully on the waters of the surrounding pond.

In 1950, the pavilion was burned down by a novice monk with mental health issues. It was painstakingly reconstructed in 1955, using the original design and gold leaf covering. The temple is influenced by Zen Buddhist minimalism yet still contains relics and statues of the Buddha. Visitors can admire the golden glow reflecting across the tranquil water garden.

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa constructed Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, as his retirement villa in the Higashiyama mountains. The name is deceiving, as the structure exhibits a modest one-story design and lacks any silver coating. Yoshimasa modeled the temple after Kinkaku-ji but favored simple, elegant craftsmanship over flashy adornments.

The pavilion overlooks the pond and sand garden, designed for contemplation. The scenery includes carefully raked sand cones meant to mimic Mount Fuji and evoke a sense of grace and nature. After Yoshimasa’s death, the villa was converted to a Zen temple and renamed Ginkaku-ji. The understated beauty continues to inspire visitors centuries later.

Ryoan-ji

The stone garden at the medieval temple of Ryoan-ji stands as one of Japan’s most famous zen symbols. Built around 1500, the dry rock garden contains 15 rocks of varying shapes and sizes, framed in white gravel representing water. Some are moss covered, while others jut sharply from the ground. The minimalism creates a serene and meditative setting for self reflection.

The formations contain no obvious meaning, though theories suggest the artistically-placed rocks represent islands or animals. Monks would use the garden for religious contemplation and training. Raking the gravel into patterns also holds spiritual symbolism. The cryptic designs compel thousands to visit and interpret the sublime scene.

Ninna-ji

Originally built in 888 as an imperial palace, Ninna-ji was converted to a Buddhist temple in the 1600s. The grounds contain ornate buildings and gardens showcasing seasonal beauty. The temple houses remarkable paintings, sculptures, and calligraphy from the Heian period. In the spring, crowds admire the fleeting bloom of cherry blossoms.

The temple is renowned for its striking fall colors, when the leaves surrounding the five-story pagoda ignite into brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. Photographers and leaf peepers journey to Ninna-ji to behold the stunning palette lighting up the low hills. The colors shine most vividly in mid to late November.

Tenryu-ji

Founded in 1339 by shogun Ashikaga Takauji, Tenryu-ji honors Emperor Go-Daigo’s spirit. The Sogenchi pond garden represents a scenic landscape with islands, waterfalls, and stones. Visitors can stroll the grounds while admiring maple trees and the massive 700-year old Arhat pine tree.

Within the temple sits the celebrated Dragon and Tiger painting by artist Unkei. The dynamic ink painting depicts a dragon emerging from clouds fighting a ferocious tiger. Tenryu-ji also contains important cultural artifacts and serves as the headquarters of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. The peaceful surroundings reflect the meditative wisdom valued by Zen monks.

Conclusion

The ancient temples of Kyoto offer a window into centuries of Japanese history, religion, and artistry. From the towering wooden stage at Kiyomizu-dera to Ryoan-ji’s cryptic rock garden, each temple encapsulates unique elements of Japan’s cultural and spiritual identity. Though originally palaces and villas, these historic sites were transformed into sacred places of contemplation, nature, and minimalist beauty that continue inspiring visitors today. The enduring legacy of Kyoto’s temples represents an artistic tradition that still resonates around the world.

FAQ

What is the oldest temple in Kyoto?

The oldest temple in Kyoto is Enryaku-ji, founded in 788 on Mount Hiei. Kiyomizu-dera, founded in 780, is the oldest temple remaining within Kyoto city limits today.

How many temples are in Kyoto?

There are over 2,000 Buddhist temples in Kyoto, along with numerous Shinto shrines. Some of the most famous temple complexes contain multiple structures, halls, gates, and shrines within one area.

Why are there so many temples in Kyoto?

As the center of Japanese religion and culture for over 1,000 years, nobles and aristocrats built many temples and palaces in Kyoto. Different schools of Buddhism also established their headquarters in Kyoto’s temples.

What is zazen meditation?

Zazen is a seated meditation practice often performed by Zen Buddhist monks. It involves focusing on breathing and contemplating paradoxes to reach enlightenment. Zazen is traditionally done in quiet temple spaces like gardens.

What is the Golden Pavilion made of?

The Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji temple, has the top two floors completely covered in gold leaf. The gold bronze alloy creates the shine and golden reflection on the pond.