Tenryuji Temple
Tenryu-ji Temple is a must-visit zen temple that’s located just a short stroll from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, Kyoto.
The temple, known as one of Kyoto’s “Five Mountains,” is part of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visiting Tenryu-ji is one of the best things to do near Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and most first-time visitors combine a visit to the grove with a stroll through the Tenryu-ji Temple grounds.
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Originally consecrated in 1345, Tenryu-ji Temple has been damaged by fires multiple times.
The latest reconstruction of Tenryu-ji Temple took place in the 20th century, leaving the complex much as you see it today.
The stunning Sogen Pond Garden, historic buildings, and beautiful setting in Arashiyama make Tenryu-ji Temple well worth your time.
Especially if you enjoy local history and culture, your trip to Arashiyama would not be complete without a visit to Tenryu-ji!
Planning a trip to the famous grove? Visit our Arashiyama Bamboo Forest home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
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What to See at the Tenryu-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan
You can visit the Tenryu-ji Temple on your own. If you are planning a guided walking tour of Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple will very likely be a stop on the tour.
Here are the main sights at Tenryu-ji Temple:
The Sogen Pond Garden
Even if you have limited time in Arashiyama, the Sogen Pond Garden at the Tenryu-ji Temple is a must-see, and you can buy a ticket just for the garden.
Unlike the temple buildings, the garden is original, dating back more than seven centuries.
Making clever use of the surrounding mountains, a design technique called shakkei or “borrowed scenery,” the garden is laid out around a pond, with a walking path from which you can admire the gorgeous views.
You will find many quintessential Japanese garden elements here: raked gravel beds, aesthetically placed rocks and boulders, and trees and flowering plants.
Look for the arrangement of rocks known as the Dragon Gate Falls, a waterfall in China. Legend has it that carp that scale the falls turn into dragons.
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The Hatto and the Cloud Dragon Painting
The Hatto, or Dharma Hall, is the place where the master would pass on the teachings of Buddhism to the monks.
Today, the Dharma Hall is used for ceremonial events. The current building dates back to the later part of the 19th century.
Inside, on the altar, is the image of the Shakyamuni Buddha, flanked by his principal bodhisattvas.
In the ceiling at the Hatto is the Cloud Dragon painting, one of the most famous sights at Tenryu-ji.
The current painting dates back to 1997 and was created as part of a larger restoration project.
The older painting, dating back to 1899, is largely destroyed, but a part of the dragon has been carefully preserved and is exhibited every February.
You can only view the Cloud Dragon painting on weekends and holidays, and daily during specific exhibition times in the springs, summer, and fall.
The Hatto, where the painting is located, is closed December 31 through January 2 each year, and may also be closed on some days for special ceremonies.
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The Kuri
One of the main buildings at Tenryu-ji Temple, the Kuri has a lovely curving roof and a half-timbered facade. It is a popular photo spot.
Kuri refers to living quarters and is one of the essential parts of a zen temple complex.
Inside, admire the large painting of Bodhidharma.
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The Hojo
The Hojo at Tenryu-ji has two buildings: the Daihojo and Kohojo.
The image of the Shakyamuni Buddha in the Daihojo is a must-see: it is several centuries older than the temple itself and was not damaged in any of the fires!
Also worth admiring is the Cloud Dragon painting on the doors leading out to Sogen Pond.
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Other Buildings and Pavilions
If you have more time, you can visit other parts of the Tenryu-ji Temple compound.
At Yu’un-an, you can participate in a free meditation program offered on the second Sunday of each month.
The Ryumontei houses Shigetsu, a vegetarian restaurant. It is open between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and is a great place to enjoy zen vegetarian cuisine!
The Shoun-kaku and the Kan’u-tei are Japanese teahouses dating back to the first half of the 20th century.
The Tahoden is another building with a unique roof and beautiful facade if you enjoy photography.
The Hyakka’en is a flowering garden on the path leading from the north gate, worth a quick stop on your way from (or to) the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Tenryu-ji Temple Hours
Tenryu-ji Temple is open from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Last admission is at 4.50 p.m.
Tenryu-ji Temple Entrance Fee
There is an entrance fee to visit Tenryu-ji Temple.
To visit only the garden, it costs 500 yen (about 3 US dollars) per person. Elementary and middle school students pay 300 yen (a little less than 2 US dollars each) and younger kids enter free.
To visit both the garden and the temple buildings, it costs an additional 300 yen. Buildings are occasionally closed for various reasons.
The Cloud Dragon Painting in the Hatto has a special fee of 500 yen and special hours of 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
You can buy tickets at the ticket offices located at the various entrances to the temple: the garden entrance, the main building entrance, or the north gate entrance from the bamboo grove.
Credit cards are not accepted, so be sure to bring cash with you.
Best Time to Visit Tenryu-ji Temple
With a picturesque setting at the base of the mountains, Tenryu-ji Temple is beautiful year round.
But Tenryu-ji is particularly scenic in the spring during cherry blossom time, and in the fall, when leaf colors light up the landscape around Sogen Pond.
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