EN#5 | Tenryu-ji: Why Did a Shogun Build a Temple for His Enemy? (Kyoto)

Arashiyama, on the western edge of Kyoto, is famous for its bamboo grove and the Togetsukyo Bridge. At its heart stands Tenryu-ji, a World Heritage temple built by a shogun for an emperor who had been his enemy.

Ashikaga Takauji, founder of the Muromachi shogunate, built it for Emperor Go-Daigo, the man who once gave him part of his own name, and later became his rival. Discover the story of the time when Japan had two emperors, and the complicated feelings hidden behind a peaceful garden.

▼ In this episode

- Why the Kamakura shogunate lost its power: the Mongol invasions and angry samurai

- How Takauji received part of his name from the emperor

- The Northern and Southern Courts: when Japan had two emperors

- Why Takauji built a temple for his former enemy

- Shakkei, the art of "borrowed scenery," in one of Japan's most famous gardens

- How to explore Arashiyama: from Tenryu-ji to the Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge

▼ Chapters

00:00 Opening

01:25 The Kamakura shogunate

04:30 From allies to enemies

07:09 Why build Tenryu-ji?

11:42 Walking Arashiyama

13:42 Ending

▼ Full transcript

▼ Next episode

EN#6 | Kinkaku-ji: The Golden Pavilion Wasn't Always a Temple? (Kyoto)

▼ Host

Taiki Arai | An English coach based in Fukui, Japan, currently studying to become a licensed tour guide.

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