Tenryu-ji（天龍寺） - Real Japanese Gardens

Discover an UNESCO World Heritage Temple in Kyoto

Tenryū-ji is one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples. It sits in the scenic Arashiyama district, surrounded by natural beauty. Shogun Ashikaga Takauji founded the temple in 1339 to honor Gautama Buddha. Musō Soseki, a respected Zen master, became its first head priest. Construction finished in 1345.

Because of its ties to the Ashikaga family and Emperor Go-Daigo, Tenryū-ji holds high historical status. In fact, it ranks first among Kyoto’s famous Five Great Zen Temples. In 1994, UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”

You can choose between two tickets. One is for the garden only. The other gives you access to both the temple buildings and the garden. While the garden is breathtaking on its own, we recommend the full ticket. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the garden from inside the temple. Plus, you can admire beautiful fusuma-e—sliding door paintings that reflect traditional Zen aesthetics.

The garden, called Sōgenchi Teien, is the heart of the temple grounds. Musō Soseki also designed this garden. He used a technique called shakkei (borrowed scenery), incorporating the nearby Arashiyama mountains into the background. The central pond reflects the sky and surrounding trees, creating a calm and peaceful scene in every season.

Visit Tenryū-ji in mid to late November for stunning autumn colors. The red and gold maple leaves reflect in the garden pond, making it a perfect photo spot. Spring is also popular, especially during cherry blossom season in early April. However, the temple remains peaceful and beautiful year-round.

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Gallery

View of the Arashiyama mountains as shakkei (borrowed scenery) behind Tenryū-ji garden.

Bamboo grove path near Tenryū-ji, perfect for a scenic temple walk.

Interior of Tenryū-ji Temple with sliding fusuma-e screen paintings and tatami floors

View of Tenryū-ji garden with central pond and seasonal foliage in Kyoto, Japan

Directions

How to get to the garden

Bus: Take the Kyoto bus 61, 72, or 83, and get off at the stop ‘Arashiyama Tenryuji Mae’. Take the Shi bus 11, 28, or 93, and get off at the stop ‘Arashiyama Tenryuji Mae’. Subway: Take the Arashiyama line to Arashiyama station and walk about 5 minutes in western direction.

View Google Map (Google Website)

Address

JP: 〒616-8385 京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町６８
EN: 68 Saga-tenryuji-susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

Official Website

Opening times

8:30am – 5pm

Last admission: 4:50pm

Admission fee

500 Yen (garden only)

800 Yen (garden and building)

Facilities & Accessibility

Toilets available near the entrance and within the temple grounds
Rest areas and benches throughout the garden
Souvenir shop and tea room near the entrance
Wheelchair access to most areas, including the garden paths
Multilingual signs and pamphlets in English, Japanese, and other languages

Best time to visit

Mid to late March and early April for cherry blossoms
Late November for stunning autumn foliage
Early mornings for peaceful strolls and photography