Tenryuji Temple
Tenryū-ji天龍寺
Tenryuji Temple
Tenryū-ji天龍寺
About Tenryuji Temple
Tenryū-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the head temple of its own Rinzai Zen school, founded in 1339 by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji. Located in scenic Arashiyama, it is famed for its magnificent Sōgenchi Garden, a masterpiece of landscape design by the Zen master Musō Soseki that has survived in its original form for centuries. The garden masterfully incorporates the Arashiyama mountains as 'borrowed scenery' (shakkei). The temple is ranked first among Kyoto's five great Zen temples (the Gozan).
Cultural Assets
Sōgenchi Garden
National Site of Scenic BeautyA masterpiece of Zen landscape design by Musō Soseki, featuring a central pond and using the Arashiyama mountains as 'borrowed scenery'.
Wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha
Important Cultural PropertyThe temple's principal object of worship, believed to date back to the Heian period.
Cloud Dragon Painting (Unryūzu)
ArtworkA powerful painting on the ceiling of the Hatto (Dharma Hall) by the renowned artist Kayama Matazo.
Last entry is at 16:50. The temple has no scheduled closing days.
¥500 for the garden. An additional ¥300 is required to enter the temple buildings, including the Hatto Hall.
Plan for 1-2 hours to explore the garden and the main temple buildings at a leisurely pace.
Highly accessible. Most main pathways through the garden and grounds are barrier-free and navigable for wheelchairs.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (mid to late November) for foliage and spring for cherry blossoms are spectacular but crowded. Visit right at the 8:30 AM opening for a more tranquil experience.
Getting There
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (5-10 min walk). The temple is also just in front of Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku (Randen) Line.
Photography Policy
Photography is permitted in the outdoor garden areas. It is strictly prohibited inside all temple buildings. Tripods and monopods are not allowed.
