basic information

Tenryuji is a Zen temple in the Arashiyama area of Kyoto. It has been ranked first among the city's "Five Great Zen Temples".

The temple was established in 1339, and like many other temples burnt down several times over its history. The current buildings date from the Meiji Period. Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous garden designer, created Tenryuji's landscape garden which, unlike the temple buildings, survived the many fires and is considered one of the oldest of its kind.

Tenryuji has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995.

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how to get there

Tenryuji is just a few steps from the Keifuku Arashiyama terminal station. The small Keifuku trains connect Arashiyama with the Ryoanji/Kinkakuji area and Shijo-dori.

The JR Saga-Arashiyama Station is a 5 minute walk from Tenryuji and is served by the JR Sagano Line (San-in Line) with frequent trains that take about 15 minutes to Kyoto Station.

Orientation in Kyoto

Hours: 8:30 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from November through March)
Admission: 500 Yen

travel community

Users who have been to Kyoto: 517
Users who have been to Tenryuji Temple: 63

23rd of 35 most visited sights in Kyoto.
83rd of 385 most visited sights nationwide.

VIDEO Kyoto - Beyond Gion Look around and explore beyond the downtown geisha districts.

hotels & ryokan

Tomiya Ryokan A traditional Japanese inn located 2 min walk from Kyoto Station. Close to bus terminal for all the attractions. Guest Inn Chita A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen. Ryokan Kinoe A comfort ryokan in Gion District. Quality services. 5 min to Gion Corner, Yasaka Jinja. Ponto-cho, Kiyomizu-dera nearby. bAKpAK Kyoto Hostel Funky, hip, & most centrally located hostel in downtown Kyoto city, right in midst of everything you need for your vacation!