Tenryu-ji Buddhist Temple is the most important historical building in Kyoto's Arashiyama district and is located next to the famous Bamboo Forest.

Tenryuji is the main temple of Zen Buddhism in all of Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Tenryuji Temple was built in 1339, but has been destroyed by fire and rebuilt many times during its existence.

Its current appearance dates back to 1868.

The temple also has a beautiful Japanese garden.

The access road from the main street itself is beautiful, lined with small non-public temples.

Is Tenryu-ji worth a visit?

✅ Yes, if:

• you want to see one of the most historically important Zen temples in Japan
• you plan to visit the Arashiyama area
• you like traditional Japanese gardens

❌ More likely not if:

• you are looking for quiet temples without tourists
• you only visit Arashiyama for the bamboo forest

💡 Alternative:

For quieter Zen temples, try Ryoan-ji or Ninna-ji in the north of Kyoto, for example, which are easily accessible by tram from Arashiyama.

A garden that has remained almost unchanged for 700 years

The main reason to visit Tenryu-ji is its Sōgen-chi garden.

It is designed to use the surrounding hills as a natural backdrop to the landscape, a typical principle of Japanese gardens called shakkei (borrowed landscape).

The combination of pond, stones and trees creates one of the most impressive gardens in Kyoto.

The most common mistakes

1️⃣ Visit a temple just for the bamboo forest
Tenryu-ji has a beautiful garden, but the famous bamboo forest lies beyond the temple.

2️⃣ Coming here in the middle of the day
Arashiyama is one of the most visited parts of Kyoto and it tends to be very busy during the day.

3️⃣ Pass the temple too quickly
The garden is designed for a slow walk and is worth spending at least half an hour here.

Entrance fees and opening hours

• Open approximately 8:30am-5pm
• entrance to the gardens 500 jpy
• entrance to the temple 800 jpy
• payment is in cash only

Even if you only pay to enter the gardens, you will see the outside of the temple and be able to peek a little inside as well.

Official website: tenryuji.com

How to include Tenryu-ji in your itinerary

The temple is an ideal starting point for visiting the entire Arashiyama area.

Recommended walking route:

• Tenryu-ji
• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Togetsukyo Bridge
• Arashiyama Monkey Park

The whole area can be walked in one afternoon.

If you are planning multiple days in the Kansai region, we also recommend visiting the cities of Osaka, Kobe and Nara.

Want to get to know Kyoto in more depth? Check out the range of activities and organised tours on GetYourGuide.com.

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