Tenryuji (“V—´Ž›, Tenryūji) is the most important temple in Kyoto's Arashiyama district. It was ranked first among the city's five great Zen temples, and is now registered as a world heritage site. Tenryuji is the head temple of its own school within the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism.

Tenryuji was built in 1339 by the ruling shogun Ashikaga Takauji. Takauji dedicated the temple to Emperor Go-Daigo, who had just passed away. The two important historic figures used to be allies until Takauji turned against the emperor in a struggle for supremacy over Japan. By building the temple, Takauji intended to appease the former emperor's spirits.

Construction Notice: From December 2012 through March 2014, Tenryuji's main halls are being renovated. During the time, the halls are covered up, and it is not possible to enter them. The garden, which many visitors consider the temple's main attraction, remains open to the public.

Tenryuji's buildings, were repeatedly lost in fires and wars over the centuries, and most of the current halls, including the main hall (Hojo), drawing hall (Shoin) and temple kitchen (Kuri) with its distinctive small tower, date from the relatively recent Meiji Period (1868-1912).

Unlike the temple buildings, Tenryuji's garden survived the centuries in its original form. Created by the famous garden designer Muso Soseki, who also designed the gardens of Kokedera and other important temples, the beautiful landscape garden features a central pond surrounded by rocks, pine trees and the forested Arashiyama mountains. Muso Soseki also served as Tenryuji's first head priest.

Central Kyoto
Eastern Kyoto
Northern Kyoto
Southern Kyoto

Sights under construction

Western Kyoto
Arashiyama
Tenryuji Temple
Daikakuji Temple
Sagano Scenic Railway
Hozugawa River Cruise
Myoshinji Temple
Toei Eigamura
Kokedera Temple
Katsura Villa
Yoshiminedera Temple

Temple
Buddhism
Gardens
UNESCO World Heritage