Right next to Nanzen-ji San-mon gate the Tenju-an (a subtemple of Nanzen-ji) has a beautiful garden with white gravel field viewed from temple platform and also a stroll garden. The view from temple is characterized by a path of diagonally placed square stepping stones and moss. Japanese maples behind the field were about to enter the autumn colour season when I visited and had individual, slightly off-green hues making a beautiful background. The stroll garden is much like a wild forest – its route goes around a beautiful pond and you get also to walk over it using round stepping stones.

This is a lovely garden to stroll into especially during autumn colour, though I can imagine it being good for all seasons. There is a sand garden with very attractive leaves around it that you can sit and marvel at. It also has an amazing koi pond that makes for an excellent picture. It is a lovely stroll across a very peaceful garden though it is crowded during autumn colours. If you are going, either go very early or find pockets of time where it is less crowded and it is well worth your time to sit and enjoy the views.