As you pass through the bamboo forest path in Arashiyama, Kyoto, the majestic mountain gate of Tenryu-ji Temple comes into view.
Tenryu-ji Temple, which has a history of 700 years as the head temple of the Tenryu-ji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, is a Zen temple representative of Kyoto that was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
There is plenty to see, including the Sogenchi Garden, which changes with the seasons, the impressive Cloud Dragon Painting, and the tranquil abbot’s quarters.
The garden in particular offers a beautiful view of the Arashiyama mountains, soothing the souls of all who visit.
We will introduce in detail the charms of Tenryu-ji Temple, where you can spend a tranquil moment while experiencing traditional Japanese culture.
What kind of place is Tenryu-ji Temple?
Located in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Tenryu-ji Temple is a famous temple with over 700 years of history and is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism.
It was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to pray for the repose of Emperor Godaigo’s soul, and Muso Soseki was appointed as its founder.
During the Muromachi period, it was ranked first among the Five Mountains of Kyoto, and its grounds at the time boasted a vast area roughly 10 times larger than they are today.
Since its construction, it has suffered eight major fires, but has been rebuilt each time, and in 1994 it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The highlight is the Sogenchi Garden, designed by Muso Kokushi. This stroll-style garden with a pond and a backdrop of Arashiyama and Kameyama was the first in Japan to be designated a historic site and a special place of scenic beauty.
Also, be sure to see the impressive painting of a cloud dragon on the ceiling of the lecture hall.
The History of Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji Temple is a famous temple that developed through numerous historical events from the Heian period through to the Muromachi period.
Let’s look at its history over time.
History of the Foundation
Tenryu-ji Temple was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Muromachi shogunate.
In order to commemorate the soul of Emperor Godaigo, Muso Soseki was appointed as the founder and the Kameyama Palace was converted into a temple.
The temple’s name comes from a dream that Ashikaga Takauji’s younger brother, Tadayoshi, had in which he saw a golden dragon rising to the heavens.
Although there was a shortage of funds at the time of its construction, this was covered by the profits from trade with China on the “Tenryu-ji ships,” and a dedication ceremony was held in 1345.
Prosperity of the first rank among the Five Mountains
During the Muromachi period, Tenryu-ji Temple was ranked first among the Five Mountains of Kyoto, and its temple grounds extended to approximately 9.5 million square meters, about 10 times its current size.
It flourished as a large temple complex with 150 sub-temples, and developed as the center of Zen Buddhism under the patronage of the Ashikaga Shogunate.
In particular, the Sogenchi Garden was designed by Muso Kokushi as a stroll-style garden with a pond, and boasts a magnificent landscape with Arashiyama and Kameyama as backdrops.
Repeated disasters and reconstruction
Since its founding, Tenryu-ji Temple has suffered eight major fires. From 1358 (Enbun 3) to the Hamaguri Gomon Incident in 1864 (Genji 1), the temple buildings were burned down many times, but were rebuilt each time.
During the Meiji period, the temple lost most of its grounds due to the Land Law, but in 1994 it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is still loved by many people today.
In this way, Tenryu-ji has overcome many difficulties over its 700-year history and has developed into one of Kyoto’s leading Zen temples.
Below, we will explain in detail the attractive sights and how to visit the shrine.
Highlights of Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji Temple has many sights that have been passed down throughout its 700-year-plus history.
Among them, we will introduce three particularly noteworthy sights.
- Sogenchi Garden
- Cloud Dragon in the Lecture Hall
- Bodhidharma
Sogenchi Garden
Sogenchi Garden, created by Muso Soseki about 700 years ago, was the first garden in Japan to be designated as a historic site and a special place of scenic beauty.
It is a stroll-style garden with a pond, and is characterized by its majestic scenery that incorporates the views of Arashiyama and Kameyama .
At the center of the garden is the Sogenchi Pond, surrounded by a waterfall rock formation called Ryumonbaku.
The graceful Yamato-e style sandbank and the scenery at the back of the pond, reminiscent of Song and Yuan dynasty paintings, blend beautifully together, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of every season.
Cloud Dragon in the Lecture Hall
On the ceiling of the lecture hall is a huge painting of a cloud dragon painted by artist Matazo Kayama in 1997.
The ceiling is 10.6m long and 12.6m wide and is made of 159 cedar planks. The dragon painted within a double circle with a diameter of 9m is known as the “eight-eyed dragon” that appears to glare from any angle .
It depicts a five-fingered dragon, a design that was only available to Chinese emperors, and its imposing appearance is sure to overwhelm anyone who sees it.
Bodhidharma
On a folding screen at the main entrance to the kuri is a painting of Bodhidharma by Master Seiko Hirata, the former chief priest of Tenryu-ji Temple.
The motif is Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism who spread the religion from India to China.
The expression of the Daruma doll, painted with a unique touch, has an impact that is unforgettable once you see it, and it is a representative painting of Tenryu-ji Temple.
As such, Tenryu-ji Temple has a variety of attractions, from gardens of great historical value to artistic paintings.
Below, we will explain in detail how to access these attractions and information on visiting them.
What is the best season to visit Tenryu-ji Temple?
Tenryu-ji Temple is a temple where you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
In spring, the weeping cherry blossoms bloom in full glory, and the view from the Tahoden Hall area is magnificent..
It is especially popular during the autumn foliage season, which is best viewed from mid-November to early December.
The autumn leaves reflected on the surface of the water at Sogenchi Garden are a sight to behold, and if you visit early in the morning (gates open at 7:30), you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the autumn leaves in peace.
In summer, you can enjoy the beauty of the fresh greenery, and from mid- to late June, a Sara flower viewing event is held.
In winter, the combination of the snowy scenery and the garden is magnificent, creating a solemn atmosphere.
Access to Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji Temple can be accessed by various means of transportation, including trains, buses, and taxis.
We will introduce how to access from major locations.
Access from Kyoto Station
From Kyoto Station, you can get to Tenryu-ji Temple by train, bus, or taxi.
The most convenient way to get there
is to take the JR Sanin Main Line (Sagano Line). It takes about 16 minutes to get from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station, and it is about a 13-minute walk from the station to Tenryu-ji Temple. If you take the rapid train, it takes about 11 minutes to get there.
Access by bus
: Take city bus number 28 or Kyoto bus number 72 or 73. It takes about 44 minutes from Kyoto Station to the “Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae” bus stop, and it is about a 1-minute walk from the bus stop to Tenryuji Temple. The fare is 230 yen.
Access by taxi
: If taking a taxi from Kyoto Station, the journey will take about 30 minutes and cost around 3,000 to 4,000 yen.
Access from Kinkakuji Temple
You can also get there from Kinkakuji Temple by train, bus, or taxi.
Access by train:
Walk or take a city bus from Kinkakuji Temple to Kitano-Hakubaicho Station and board the Keifuku Electric Railroad (Arashiyama Line). It takes about 40 minutes to reach Arashiyama Station, and from there it is about a 5-minute walk to Tenryu-ji Temple.
Access by bus
: Take a city bus from Kinkakuji-michi bus stop and transfer at Marutamachi-Gozen-dori or Yamakoshi-Nakamachi. The journey takes about 40 to 50 minutes.
Access by taxi
: If you take a taxi from Kinkaku-ji to Tenryu-ji, it will take about 30 minutes and cost around 3,500 to 4,500 yen.
Tenryu-ji Temple admission fees and opening hours
Basic information about Tenryu-ji Temple is summarized in the table below.
| item | Contents |
|---|---|
| location | Kyoto City Ukyo Ward Saga Osawacho 4 |
| Visiting hours | Temple grounds: 6:30-17:30 (6:00-17:30 in summer) |
| Admission fee | – Temple grounds: Free – Three-site combined ticket: 500 yen (Oidono, Kamosha Museum, Kawai Shrine Museum) |
| Business hours | Museum etc.: 10:00-16:00 |
| parking | West Parking Lot: 300 cars (paid) |
| Estimated travel time | 60-90 minutes |
*During the summer, the gates open from 6:00, allowing you to visit earlier.
*The Three-Center Joint Ticket is a discounted ticket that allows you to visit each facility efficiently.
Recommended spots around Tenryu-ji Temple
There are many attractive sightseeing spots around Tenryu-ji Temple.
Here are three that we particularly recommend.
Nonomiya Shrine
Nonomiya Shrine, located about a 3-minute walk down a bamboo forest path, is a historic shrine with ties to Ise Grand Shrine and the Tale of Genji.
Particularly popular is the “Okameishi” rock, and it is said that if you stroke it and make a wish, your wish will come true within a year.
The “Marriage Ring Amulet” is also famous and contains two rings. It is said that giving it to a lover will help forge a better bond.
Hogon-in Temple
Known as a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji Temple, it is home to the Shishiku Garden, which was created by a Zen monk during the Muromachi period.
The garden, which incorporates the scenery of Arashiyama, is especially popular when lit up during the autumn foliage season.
You can enjoy the beauty of the Japanese garden in a quiet space.
Arashiyama Park Kameyama area
This park is located at the foot of Mt. Ogura, known as the place where the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu was compiled.
Ogurayama is bathed in vibrant colors with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn.
From the observation deck near the summit, you can see the pleasure boats and trolley trains going down the Hozu River, as well as enjoy a spectacular view of Kyoto city.
FAQs about Tenryu-ji Temple
summary
Boasting a history of over 700 years, Tenryu-ji Temple is a representative Zen temple of Kyoto that has been registered as a World Heritage Site.
The Sogenchi Garden, designed by Muso Soseki, offers beautiful scenery in every season and is especially popular with tourists during the autumn foliage season.
Cultural properties of great artistic value, such as the Cloud Dragon painting and the Bodhidharma painting in the Lecture Hall, are also worth seeing.
Additionally, the area is dotted with attractive tourist spots such as the Bamboo Forest Path and Togetsukyo Bridge, making it a popular tourist destination as the center of Arashiyama.
It is easily accessible and the admission fee is reasonable, so you can visit without hesitation.
If you are in Kyoto, be sure to visit Tenryu-ji Temple, where you can experience traditional Japanese culture and spend a peaceful moment.
