Tenju-an isn't known for its cherry trees, making this is a blessing in disguise, an oasis from the crowds snapping away at Keage Incline during the cherry blossom viewing season in April.
For centuries, this garden is more known for its maple leaves in autumn. Nevertheless, there is plenty to see here even in Spring, and its calm makes for a meditative stroll, a sanctuary for monks and emperors since 1337. Even today, it is a testament to the advanced garden design techniques at that time, though some elements, such as the island in the western pond, show the hand of Meiji period designers who had enhanced it in the 19th century.
The variety of its landscapes makes it a photographer’s delight, with the various angles from viewing the koi goldfish pond and the stone garden challenging the way in which you think of garden design, the interaction of light and reflection, as well as how the textures and shadows of the wood and leaves play on each other.
Its compact size makes it easier to capture the natural and man-made elements, even if your camera does not have advanced settings or specialised lenses. It also allows you to experiment with your composition, allowing you to include or exclude the pathways that weave around the pond. Let your eyes be drawn to the roof line and mountains in the distance, while its reflection on the pond giving you a double image, giving you license to create images that push your artistic license. Cross the stone bridge and admire the way in which centuries old gardeners have turned the trees into sculptures by tying it with ropes. On the other hand, the contrast between the glassy pond and the silhouette from the wood plank bridge makes for a great photo. Walk a little further and capture the way the sunlight falls on the trees in the morning, making it look like snow from a distance.
This is a great place to take your time and experiment with taking photos from different angles and heights, as well as disciplining yourself in not over composing your photos with too many elements.
I often shoot on the diagonals to keep photos interesting and catch wider views.