Bamboo forest, Tenryu-ji & Golden temple - Kyoto - Japan - - / - -

The Japanese have a long history with bamboo, in myths and legends, metaphorically linking a mans’ strength with this plant. Many festivals also include the use of bamboo in various forms. Tenryū-ji is the head temple of the Tenryū branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, located in Susukinobaba-chō, Ukyō Ward, Kyoto, Japan. The temple was founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339, primarily to venerate Gautama Buddha, and its first chief priest was Musō Soseki.