Kyoto

Dec 13, 2014 - 1 min read

Tennei-ji in Kyoto

Picture frame gate with a view of Mount Hiei

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Tennei-ji's gate is often referred to as the 'Picture Frame Gate' because it frames a view of Mount Hiei

The garden and buildings were laid out so that nothing would obstruct the view of Mount Hiei

The curtains on this small hall bear the floating chrysanthemum crest

As at many other temples, a dragon presides over the water basin

There is an Inari shrine within the temple grounds

A chicken statue stands within the garden

Beautifully detailed woof carving on one of the temple buildings

The main hall of Tennei-ji

Path of diamond-shaped paving stones

A statue with offerings around its feet

Delicate wooden screen on the doors featuring the floating chrysanthemum motif

Twin bell ropes and wooden lattice

This temple originated in Fukushima, but was moved to Kyoto in the late 1500s. If you stand in front of the gate you can enjoy a perfectly framed view of Mount Hiei. An ancient tree stands within the grounds that has survived both lightning strike, and a fire that destroyed the temple buildings in 1812. Also, the temple cemetery containsthe graves of some historical figures including a famous Edo tea master and the monk who invented the Jigen style of kendo.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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