Danrin-ji, Buddhist temple in Ukyō-ku, Japan
Danrin-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the western foothills of Kyoto, situated at the edge of mountainous terrain. The grounds now form part of the larger Tenryū-ji complex and feature the traditional layout of a substantial temple site.
The temple was founded during the Jōwa era and was among the first Zen temples in Japan before a fire destroyed it in 928. Following this destruction, the site underwent transformations that eventually led to the establishment of a major temple complex.
The temple served as a center for Buddhist nunneries during the Muromachi period and shaped religious life in the Kyoto region. Visitors can sense this legacy reflected in how the space is organized and maintained today.
The site is accessible to visitors as part of a larger temple complex in western Kyoto's neighborhoods. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you will navigate different levels and paths across the grounds.
Between its destruction and the reconstruction of the temple complex, the grounds served as an imperial residence for several rulers. This surprising transformation shows how religious sites in Japan could shift their purpose and importance across centuries.
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