Tenryu-ji Temple

4.4 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Tenryu-ji Temple is a historic site in Kyoto known for its scenic beauty and deep cultural significance. Established in 1339, this temple serves as the head temple of the Tenryu branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Its origins are tied to the shogun Ashikaga Takauji, who dedicated it to Emperor Go-Daigo, reflecting a rich historical narrative.

Tenryu-ji Temple is renowned for its garden, which was designed by the famous Zen master and garden designer Muso Soseki. This garden is a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design, featuring a central pond surrounded by rocks, pine trees, and mountain views, integrating the natural surroundings of Arashiyama.

Tenryu-ji has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its global cultural importance. Visitors are drawn to its well-preserved architecture and the tranquil atmosphere of its grounds.

Over the centuries, despite suffering from fires, the temple has been meticulously restored, maintaining its historical integrity and aesthetic values. This resilience makes Tenryu-ji a symbol of endurance and devotion, offering insights into the spiritual and artistic heritage of Japan.

Hours:

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

*Last admission 4:50 PM

Closed:

October 29 and 30th

Available:

All year (except October 29 and 30th)

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

500 yen (High school students and older)

300 yen (Elementary and middle school students)

Free (Preschool children)

Hours

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 75-881-1235

Website

www.tenryuji.com

The area

Address

Japan, 〒616-8385 京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町６８

Top ways to experience Tenryu-ji Temple

8hrs

Explore Kyoto Your Way: An Exclusive Customizable Walking Tour

From $547 /person

4hrs

Personalized Arashiyama Kyoto Expedition: A Half-Day Tour by Private Vehicle

From $554 /person

8-10hrs

Explore Kyoto's Wonders: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari Day Trip from Osaka

From $496 /person

What other travelers are saying about Tenryu-ji Temple

Very gorgeous! There was light drizzling when we visited and it was so nice walking around the temple premises with our umbrellas and nearby the small lake. This was a perfect stroll after our heavy lunch. Do visit! I recommend this place

Sujay Sreekumar

Aug 17, 2024

One of the several UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto. Stunning Zen garden and historical significance. The temple blends traditional architecture with serene landscapes, featuring a pond, meticulously raked gravel, and lush greenery. The views of the Arashiyama mountains are gorgeous and enhance the experience.

J • B •

Jul 20, 2024

This is a UNESCO site; the gardens are beautiful and worth walking around. Like many Japanese tourist sites, there is a separate entry fee to enter the temple itself. We thought the garden walk was a good enough experience on its own. There are some nice views; this is a nice example of an authentic Zen garden. Tenryu-ji is worth a visit as part of seeing the Bamboo Forest and other sites in the area.

Keith Moore

Aug 18, 2024

Really nice temple close to the bamboo forest. Probably a must if you go to the forest. We pay a ticket of 500 yenes and if you want to visit the inside of the temple you need to pay 300 yenes more. Go early!

Agustin Ignacio Rossi

Sep 9, 2024

● Tenryu-ji Temple is➡️ 5 mins walk from Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Grove. It is also a famous Unesco heritage site. Despite the 3 degrees' icey wintry air, I managed to still myself to snap photos properly. ● Because I know scenic-vacation photos are extremely important to me. I can tolerate the frosty air, and take photos = becos pics serves as memories and momentos for me.