Tenryu-ji

Temple

Part of Arashiyama

Prefecture

Kyoto

Type

Temple

N/A

1 review

¥500

Entry Fee

Restaurant Train Access Vegetarian

About This Destination

World Heritage Site, head temple of the Tenryu branch of Rinzai Zen. The Sogenchi garden uses the Arashiyama mountains as borrowed scenery.

Established 1339 by shogun Ashikaga Takauji to console Emperor Go-Daigo's spirit. Ranks first among Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples. The Sogenchi garden by Zen monk Muso Soseki is one of Japan's earliest borrowed-scenery gardens—it pulls the Arashiyama mountains and Kameyama hills into the composition. The garden kept its original form for 700+ years despite fires destroying the buildings. Current buildings are mostly Meiji-era. The Dharma Hall ceiling has a Cloud Dragon by Kayama Matazo (1997). Rear garden connects directly to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Location

Prefecture: Kyoto

Address: Kyoto, Japan

Nearest Station: Arashiyama Station (Keifuku Line)

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: Shigetsu, the temple's shojin ryori (Zen vegetarian cuisine) restaurant, serves traditional multi-course Buddhist meals in a tatami room overlooking the Sogenchi garden.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Tenryu-ji?

Tenryu-ji is at the heart of Arashiyama. From JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, walk 10 minutes west; from Keifuku Randen Arashiyama Station, walk 1 minute north — the temple is right next to the station. From Hankyu Arashiyama Station, walk 15 minutes north over Togetsukyo Bridge. The temple's north gate opens directly into the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

What's the entry fee structure?

The famous Sogenchi Garden costs 500 yen for adults. Adding the Hatto (Dharma Hall, with Kayama Matazo's Cloud Dragon ceiling) is 800 yen total. The temple grounds outside the gardens are free. The Hatto is open only on weekends and holidays plus seasonal special periods. Cash and major credit cards accepted. Open daily 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission 4:50 PM).

When is the best time to visit Tenryu-ji?

Cherry blossom season (early April) and autumn foliage (mid-November to early December) are most spectacular at Sogenchi Garden, with the Arashiyama mountains as borrowed scenery. Early morning at the 8:30 AM opening lets you walk through the bamboo grove afterward before crowds peak. Spring weeping cherry blossoms at the entrance and rhododendrons in May are also beautiful. Allow 60–90 minutes for the gardens, plus extra for the bamboo grove.

Can I have a vegetarian Buddhist meal at Tenryu-ji?

Yes — Shigetsu, the on-site shojin ryori restaurant, serves traditional Zen Buddhist multi-course vegetarian meals in a tatami room overlooking Sogenchi Garden. Three set courses are available (3,800, 5,500, or 8,000 yen). Reservations are strongly recommended via the temple website or phone, especially for cherry blossom and autumn seasons. The restaurant is fully vegetarian — no meat, fish, or strong-smelling vegetables — but flavorful and beautifully presented.