Temple
Tenryu-ji
天龍寺
Founded in 1339 by shogun Ashikaga Takauji and ranked first among Kyoto's five great Zen temples. Its pond garden by Muso Soseki has survived in its original form, and the temple is part of the UNESCO Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
Key facts
- Station
- Arashiyama (Keifuku Arashiyama Line)5 min walk
- Admission
- Paid entry
- Typical visit
- 1 h
- Hours
- 8:30 to 17:00 (entry until 16:50)
- Website
- www.tenryuji.com/en
Tip
Entering the buildings costs extra on top of the garden ticket. The north gate of the garden opens onto the bamboo grove.
01Where to stay
Stay nearby
This place is in Arashiyama and Sagano. Median hotel rate in the latest sample: US$239 per night. Where to stay in Arashiyama and Sagano
Prices and availability come from the booking sites and can change.
02Map
Nearby places
- Nature Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 嵯峨野竹林の小径 Paths through dense bamboo groves between Tenryu-ji's north gate and Okochi Sanso, in the Sagano area of Arashiyama. Free entry 30 min 7 min walk
- Shrine Nonomiya Shrine 野宮神社 A small shrine on the bamboo grove path, marked by a black torii made in the style of unstripped timber. Free entry 15 min 7 min walk
- Garden Okochi Sanso 大河内山荘 The former villa and gardens of film actor Okochi Denjiro (1896 to 1962), at the far end of the bamboo grove, with several gardens, living quarters and teahouses. Paid entry 45 min 15 min walk
- Temple Jojakko-ji 常寂光寺 A hillside temple founded in 1596 north of the bamboo grove, with paths and steps through maples and moss and views over Kyoto from several points. Paid entry 40 min 20 min walk
Sources · Verified 24 September 2026