Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tenryu-ji is the head temple of the Tenryu branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Features include the Sogen Pond, which was the first site to be designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan. Enjoy the magnificent landscape against the scenic backdrop of Arashiyama from the garden featuring circulating walking paths around a lovely pond, which is located in front of the Ohojo (large abbey). Another must-see is the Unryu-zu, a painting of dragons and clouds that is fairly common to see in Rinzai temples. Painted on the ceiling of the Lecture Hall, the dragon is said to look you in the eyes no matter from where you view it, so be sure to experience this mystical phenomenon.