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Tenryu-ji Temple

Name: Tenryu-ji Temple
Address: Japan, 〒616-8385 京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町６８
Rating: 4.4

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

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What other travelers are saying about Tenryu-ji Temple

One of the most beautiful Japanese gardens that I have ever visited. The grounds are vast and there are many different flowering trees and shrubs. I was fortunate to visit during a time when a lot of the plants were in bloom. The landscaping is exquisite. There are two different tickets one for the gardens and one for the temple. The gardens one must visit. The temple I couldn't see much in detail.

Bharathi Mani

Apr 3, 2025

This UNESCO site is perfect if you’re into Japanese gardens, landscaping, and architecture. However, if you’re not one to sit quietly and soak in the ambiance, this might not be the best spot for you. After going there 3 times (spring, summer, autumn), autumn is my favorite time! There are two types of tickets: garden and building. If you can only choose one, I’d recommend the garden ticket—it offers much more to explore and is ideal for those who appreciate serene outdoor spaces. The building ticket mainly gives access to a space where you can relax and enjoy the views, which I personally found enjoyable. When I visited in December, one of the main halls was closed, so there wasn’t as much to see as I’d hoped. Additionally, the site can be incredibly crowded, with plenty of tour groups coming through, so expect some chaos and noise, which detracts from the overall tranquility. While I found it amazing, thanks to my love for Japanese aesthetics, I’d suggest managing your expectations if you’re not deeply interested in these aspects. It’s worth visiting for the cultural significance, but the crowds and limited access might make it less enjoyable for some.

Arisa Chuklin

Jan 19, 2025

We visited this beautiful temple early in the morning. There were a few cherry trees starting to bloom and we enjoyed walking around in the serene gardens. Everything was so well maintained and beautiful. We walked through to the exit near the bamboo grove.

Elizabeth Scorse

Apr 6, 2025

Serene and majestic. If you want to spend a long time there i recommend to buy the temple and garden ticket for 800 yen. But if you want to a quick visit and see more of the sakura and bamboo forest, better to buy the garden ticket only for 500 yen. They have a lot of weeping sakura that bloomed so beautifully. And there are a lot of chair overlooking the lake, very relaxing.

S Nabilah Putri

Apr 12, 2025

We visited in the second week of March and not everything was blossomed. However, the garden is still beautiful and fresh with new growth and early blooms. You will get to see the gardeners working and learn a thing or two about their upkeeps. The environment can be peaceful and calm even with many visitors walking around. We loved our visit.