Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji Temple is a Zen temple located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally, this site was the location of Danrin-ji Temple, founded by Emperor Takako's consort, Tachibana no Kachiko, and later became the temporary residences of the Sento Imperial Palace and Emperor Kameyama. Established in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to honor Emperor Go-Daigo, the temple's founder was the Zen monk Muso Soseki.
The costs of constructing Tenryu-ji Temple were reportedly obtained through trade with the Yuan Dynasty (China at the time), and the trade ships were referred to as "Tenryu-ji ships." Despite suffering numerous fires throughout its history, the temple has been rebuilt each time. While many of the buildings were constructed after the Meiji period, the garden of the Coigen Pond, designed by Muso Soseki, remains intact and has been designated as a national historic site and special scenic spot.
The garden showcases beauty in every season, particularly during spring when a wide variety of cherry blossoms bloom. It is said that cherry trees were transplanted from Yoshino at the time of its founding because Emperor Go-Daigo loved the Yoshino cherry blossoms.
The ceiling of the Hatto (Dharma Hall) features a painting of "Cloud Dragon," known for its "eight-direction gazing dragon" that appears to look at you from different angles. The North Gate leads to a path through a bamboo grove, making it a recommended stop on your return from exploring Arashiyama.
Tenryu-ji Temple is a place where history, culture, and natural beauty converge, providing visitors with tranquility and inspiration.
The costs of constructing Tenryu-ji Temple were reportedly obtained through trade with the Yuan Dynasty (China at the time), and the trade ships were referred to as "Tenryu-ji ships." Despite suffering numerous fires throughout its history, the temple has been rebuilt each time. While many of the buildings were constructed after the Meiji period, the garden of the Coigen Pond, designed by Muso Soseki, remains intact and has been designated as a national historic site and special scenic spot.
The garden showcases beauty in every season, particularly during spring when a wide variety of cherry blossoms bloom. It is said that cherry trees were transplanted from Yoshino at the time of its founding because Emperor Go-Daigo loved the Yoshino cherry blossoms.
The ceiling of the Hatto (Dharma Hall) features a painting of "Cloud Dragon," known for its "eight-direction gazing dragon" that appears to look at you from different angles. The North Gate leads to a path through a bamboo grove, making it a recommended stop on your return from exploring Arashiyama.
Tenryu-ji Temple is a place where history, culture, and natural beauty converge, providing visitors with tranquility and inspiration.
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Tenryu-ji Temple
- Location
- 〒616-8385 68 Bōnomabachō, Tenkūji, Sagakuyō, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
- Access
- Get off at "Arashiyama" Station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Line.
Get off at "Saga-Arashiyama" Station on the JR Saga Line and walk for 13 minutes.
Get off at "Arashiyama" Station on the Hankyu Railway and walk for 15 minutes.
For those coming by bus:
Take City Bus No. 11, 28, or 93 and get off at "Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae."
Take Kyoto Bus No. 61, 72, or 83 and get off at "Keifuku Arashiyama Ekimae." - Parking
- Available, 100 cars.
- Business Hours
- 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:50 PM) (Garden entrance and North gate entrance)
- Regular Holiday
- None. *Special viewing of the Hondo "Unryu-tzu" is only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays [there is a daily viewing period in spring, summer, and fall].
- Fees
- Garden (Sōgen Pond & Hyakka-en)
- High school students and above: 500 yen
- Elementary and middle school students: 300 yen
- Preschool children: Free
A discount of 100 yen is applied to the individual presenting a disability certificate, as well as one caregiver.
Halls (Daihōjō, Shoin, Tahōden)
- An additional fee of 300 yen to the garden admission fee.
Hōdō "Unryūzu" Special Opening
- 500 yen per person (separate from the regular admission fee mentioned above). - Contact Information
- Phone Number：075-881-1235
- Official Website
