Tenryu-ji
天龍寺
The top-ranked of Kyoto's Gozan temples in Arashiyama. Its Sogen Pond garden, designed by Muso Soseki, borrows the Arashiyama hills as a backdrop. It was Japan's first Special Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty.
Tenryu-ji was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to mourn Emperor Go-Daigo. It ranks first among the Kyoto Gozan (Five Great Zen Temples) and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The Sogen Pond garden, designed by Muso Soseki, preserves its original form from the temple's founding. Arashiyama and Mt. Kame serve as borrowed scenery, and the ponds and stone arrangements create clear layers of depth. The Cloud Dragon painting on the ceiling of the Hatto (Dharma Hall) is open only on certain days. The garden costs about 500 yen, and entry to the main halls is an additional 300 yen. Hours are 8:30 to 17:00. The North Gate leads directly to the bamboo grove path in Arashiyama, so you can combine the temple with the bamboo grove and Togetsu-kyo Bridge into a classic Arashiyama route.
Opening hours
08:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- Sagano Romantic Train
- Saihō-ji (Moss Temple)
- Ninna-ji
- Kōzan-ji
- Ryoan-ji
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)