Kyoto · Arashiyama
Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji was founded in 1339 by the shogun Ashikaga Takauji, in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo, and the monk Muso Soseki was its head. To fund the construction, trade with China, cut off since the Mongol invasions, was renewed on ships called 'Tenryu-ji ships'. The temple was inaugurated in 1345 and ranked first among the five great Zen temples of Kyoto.
The temple burned down eight times, the last in 1864, when the Choshu army camped in it during the battle at the Hamaguri Gate. Most of the current buildings were built from 1899 on, and the grounds today are about a tenth of what they were. The garden, Sogenchi, keeps the shape Muso gave it about 700 years ago, and according to the temple it was the first in Japan to be designated a Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty. The pond at its center uses Mount Arashiyama and Kameyama hill as a backdrop.
A cloud dragon is painted on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall, the Hatto. It is open on weekends and holidays, and in parts of spring and autumn also on weekdays.
Good to know
- From 14 to 30 November 2026 the garden opens as early as 07:30, only through the main ticket office. The ticket office at the north gate opens at 08:30.
- From the garden you leave through the north gate, opened in 1983, straight onto the bamboo path. If you come from the grove, you can enter from there.
- On 28 and 29 October 2026 the cloud dragon is closed all day, and on the 30th until noon. On 29 and 30 October the halls are also closed until noon.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of Tenryu-ji Temple.
- HereTenryu-ji Temple
- 1 min
Shigetsu (Tenryu-ji) Food
The restaurant of Tenryu-ji's monastic cuisine, inside the temple. According to the temple, it uses no animal ingredients at all. The basic meal, 'Yuki', is ¥3,800, plus ¥500 for entry to the garden. Book at least two days ahead.
- ~3 min
Kimono Forest, Randen Arashiyama Station Street
At Randen Arashiyama Station about 600 pillars wrapped in Kyo-yuzen fabric stand, lit from sunset until 21:00. Free.
- ~4 min
Unagi Hirokawa Food
Eel grilled over charcoal. By reservation only, and booking opens a month ahead. Unaju ¥3,900 before tax.
- ~5 min
Kitcho Arashiyama Food
Three Michelin stars, kaiseki in garden pavilions in Arashiyama.
- ~6 min
Yojiya Cafe Sagano Arashiyama Cafe
The cafe of Yojiya, the Kyoto brand of oil-blotting paper, 32 seats. Matcha and sweets. The takeaway menu is currently suspended.
- ~6 min
Nonomiya Shrine More to see
A small shrine with a torii gate of unpeeled wood, which according to the shrine is the ancient style of torii gates. People pray here for relationships, childbirth and studies. Free.
More in Arashiyama
Appears in: Arashiyama: the bamboo grove at sunrise, Tenryu-ji, monkeys and the Romantic Train