About Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji Temple is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, founded in 1339 (Ryakuō 2) by Ashikaga Takauji to commemorate Emperor Go-Daigo. Its founding priest was Musō Soseki. It is ranked first among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1994 as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.”
History and Origin
At the time of its founding, it boasted a vast area of approximately 9.5 million square meters and was a large temple complex with over 150 sub-temples. However, the main buildings were destroyed by fire eight times, including during the Ōnin War. While many of the current buildings were rebuilt after the Meiji era, the Sōgenchi Garden still retains its original appearance.
Points of Interest for Visitors
Sōgenchi Garden (Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site)
The greatest highlight of Tenryu-ji Temple is the Sōgenchi Garden, designed by Musō Soseki. This pond-centered strolling garden, which incorporates Arashiyama and Kameyama as borrowed scenery, was the first in Japan to be designated a National Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring (Late March to Early April): The contrast between weeping cherry blossoms and fresh greenery
- Summer (June): The deep green of young maple leaves reflected in the pond
- Autumn (Mid-November to Early December): Approximately 200 maple trees adorn the garden
- Winter (December to February): Snow-covered Arashiyama and the tranquil garden
Cloud Dragon Painting in the Main Hall
The ceiling of the Main Hall (Hatto) features a breathtaking “Cloud Dragon Painting” (9m in diameter) painted by artist Matazo Kayama in 1997. It is known as the “Eight-Directional Staring Dragon,” as it appears to make eye contact with the viewer from any angle.
Opening Hours: Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and special opening periods in spring and autumn (additional 500 yen fee applies)
Tahōden Hall and Tea Rooms
Around the Tahōden Hall, which houses a statue of Emperor Go-Daigo, are several charming tea rooms. In particular, “Shigetsu” is a tea room associated with Musō Soseki and is popular among tea ceremony enthusiasts.
Benefits
- Academic Success/Prayer for Passing Exams: The founder, Musō Soseki, is known as the foremost scholar-monk of his time and is revered as the god of learning.
- Fulfillment of Wishes: Due to its history of being built to appease the spirit of Emperor Go-Daigo, it is believed to have the power to grant wishes.
- Protection from Evil/Good Fortune: With a history of nearly 700 years as a Zen training dojo, it is believed to ward off evil spirits and enhance good fortune.
Visiting Information
Visiting Hours and Fees
- Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:50 PM)
- Garden Admission Fee: 500 yen for high school students and above, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students
- Hall Admission Fee: 300 yen in addition to the garden admission fee (e.g., Hatto, Tahōden)
Access
Access by Train
- 13-minute walk from JR Sagano Line “Saga-Arashiyama Station”
- 3-minute walk from Randen (Keifuku Electric Railway) Arashiyama Line “Arashiyama Station”
- 15-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Line “Arashiyama Station”
Access by Bus
- Immediately after alighting at “Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae” bus stop (Kyoto City Bus/Kyoto Bus)
- Approximately 50 minutes by Kyoto City Bus Route 28 from Kyoto Station
Access by Car
- Approximately 40 minutes from Meishin Expressway “Kyoto Minami IC”
- Parking: 100 regular cars (1,000 yen per day)
Estimated Time Required for Visiting
- Gardens only: 30-40 minutes
- Including various halls: 60-90 minutes
- During special opening of the main hall: Add 20 minutes
Nearby Attractions
Exiting the north gate of Tenryuji Temple, you’ll find yourself in the bamboo grove path, a representative feature of Arashiyama. Located just a 5-minute walk from Togetsukyo Bridge and a 3-minute walk from Nonomiya Shrine, it’s the perfect starting point for sightseeing in Arashiyama.
Address: 68 Saga Tenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8385
Phone: 075-881-1235
Official Website: http://www.tenryuji.com/
