Sanzen-in

The origins of this Tendai sect temple date back to 985. The buildings that now comprise this temple are more recent but, together with the moss-carpeted gardens,?they still ooze history. The temple’s main treasure is a gold-coated statue of Amida Buddha in the photogenic main hall, Ojo Gokuraku-in. The two pond gardens were built in the 17th century, and although they are more crowded and chaotic than some of Kyoto’s most scenic landscapes, they are rich, extensive and full of surprising treasures and tranquil nooks.