Tenporinji, Buddhist temple in Ukyō-ku, Japan
Tenporinji is a Buddhist nunnery located within the Tenryu-ji temple complex, built with traditional Japanese architecture and surrounded by carefully tended gardens. The structures display classical design elements typical of religious buildings from earlier centuries, set among trees and landscaped grounds.
The temple originated in the Kamakura period, built on land that was once the mountain residence of a Fujiwara family member. During the Edo period, it underwent major repairs and improvements carried out by the Reizei family.
This nunnery is led by Buddhist women and centers its worship around Nyoirin Kannon. You can observe how a female-led Rinzai Buddhist community maintains its spiritual practices in this setting.
The nunnery is situated in the Saga district of Ukyō Ward and is easily accessible on foot from the main Tenryu-ji complex. Wear comfortable walking shoes since you will be moving through gardens and between older buildings.
The mountain name Nyoisan is associated with this nunnery and relates to the form of Kannon venerated here, yet it rarely appears in tourist guides. This designation reveals how the site's identity is tied to specific Buddhist teachings often overlooked by casual visitors.
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