Myoshinji Temple
📍 KyotoMyoshinji was founded in 1337 when Emperor Hanazono converted his detached palace into a Zen temple. Its seven main halls form what's considered Japan's finest example of Zen temple layout — and 46 sub-temples ring them, so walking the grounds feels less like visiting a temple than wandering a small town. In the 1656 Hatto hall, a 13-metre ceiling carries Kano Tanyu's 'Cloud Dragon,' eight years in the painting and known as the 'dragon that glares in all directions' because it seems to face you wherever you stand. The National Treasure bell here appears in Yoshida Kenko's classic Essays in Idleness.
📸 Best photo spotVisit early morning or late afternoon when it's less crowded, for a clearer shot of the gate and grounds.
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