Autumn Splendor of Tenryu-ji’s Sogen Pond Garden

Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is home to the renowned Sogen Pond Garden—an iconic example of traditional Japanese landscape design created in the 14th century. During autumn, the surrounding mountains and garden trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold, reflecting softly on the still surface of the pond. This gallery presents three photographs capturing some of the garden’s most breathtaking moments at the height of the autumn season.

Autumn Reflections of Arashiyama on Sogen Pond

Sogen Pond Garden at Tenryu-ji, designed by Musō Soseki in the 14th century, is one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens. In autumn, the slopes of nearby Arashiyama turn vibrant shades of red and gold, creating a striking reflection on the still pond. This photograph captures the harmony of water, stones, and seasonal colors—an elegant expression of the Zen aesthetic that defines Tenryu-ji.

Sogen Pond Embraced by Autumn Colors

Sogen Pond Garden is renowned for its use of shakkei, or “borrowed scenery,” integrating the surrounding landscape into its design. In this photograph, the vibrant autumn foliage envelops the pond, harmonizing with the garden’s stone arrangements to create depth and balance. The soft seasonal light illuminates the leaves, enriching both the reflections and the tranquil atmosphere that defines Tenryu-ji’s Zen garden.

Vivid Autumn Colors Across the Garden

Tenryu-ji’s landscape garden integrates the pond, stone arrangements, and surrounding mountains into a unified composition that changes dramatically with the seasons. In this image, layers of vibrant autumn foliage fill the scene, emphasizing the depth and dimensionality of the garden. The interplay of colors and textures creates a natural rhythm, capturing the refined and serene beauty of Tenryu-ji in its peak autumn splendor.