What other travelers are saying about Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji (Arashiyama): Arashiyama’s Zen garden gem—its pond uses “borrowed scenery” to frame Arashiyama’s mountains (pure landscape magic).
• Seasonal highlights: Fall = maple hues + mountain reflections; Spring = cherry blossoms dusting the garden.
Pro Tips:
• Walk 5 mins to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (perfect combo route).
• Arrive
Tenryu-ji is steeped in history and beauty, with the Sogenchi Garden unfolding like a living scroll of autumn colours and mountain views. The bamboo forest was spectacular and atmospheric, though the crowds built up rather early in the day (a reminder that this is a shared experience!).
It’s really a lesson about finding stillness within movement, a rhythm between nature and people. Despite the busyness, the garden and grove were lovely and evoked a sense of serenity, as if time slowed just enough to notice the details.
Lined up 10 minutes before the opening. You are most likely to walk past the north gate if you came from the Saga-Arashiyama station walking towards the bamboo forest. You pay a 500 yen entrance fee for the garden and an additional 300 yen to enter the temple. When I was about to leave (around 9 15 am), the crowd levels were already starting to get scary.
Grounds were nice and went to two zen gardens. First near front was very small and no worth entry fee to me. Second near back was beautiful. Garden peaceful and building nice as well. There mid morning in November and it was not that crowded. Most people took the “normal” entry to bamboo Forrest where it was packed. This garden lets you out on the path you see in all the pictures. Before you exit you get a spectacular “backside” view of bamboo up the hill side. I would recommend entering the Forrest and pay the money to see this garden.
Beautiful temple, especially around the lake. You’ll see many people wearing kimonos and it’s wonderful. It’s 1000 yen per adult but it’s worth it and the leaves are now changing and showing their autumn colours ❤️
Founded in 1339, Tenryu-ji Temple, once a vast complex with over a hundred sub-temples, now captivates visitors mainly with its meticulously designed garden, a pinnacle of traditional Japanese garden design.
Despite its modest size, Tenryu-ji Temple is a must-visit in Kyoto for its unparalleled serenity and rich history, especially during the autumn when its beauty peaks.
Founded in 1339 by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji in honor of Emperor Go-Daigo, Tenryu-ji Temple was established under the guidance of the esteemed Zen master Muso Soseki, cementing its status as a critical spiritual landmark.
Tenryu-ji Temple, the head temple of its own Rinzai Zen Buddhist school in Kyoto's Arashiyama district, stands as the city's most significant Zen temple and is recognized as a World Heritage site.
Exploring Tenryu-ji Temple, with its historic buildings and expansive Zen garden, typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
