Tenryu-ji Garden, Arashiyama

Shibuya246 · 8 December 2010 · 1 min read · 2 photos

The Sogenchi pond garden at Tenryu-ji, with the last of the autumn colours.

A stop at Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama in early December, on a clear, sunny day. The pond garden in front of the main hall was still holding on to some autumn colour, with the hills behind reflected in the water.

Looking up through tall bamboo into an orange maple — Looking up through the bamboo into an orange maple, just before reaching the garden.

The garden is just a short walk from the bamboo path and the Togetsukyo Bridge, so it fits easily into a day in Arashiyama.

I took these photos in December 2010 and only got round to posting them in 2026.

Visiting today · Kyoto, Kansai

Visiting Tenryu-ji, Arashiyama, Kyoto today

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027

Added by Shibuya246, separate from the original post above. Facts are checked every quarter against the sources below. Check opening times and prices before you go.

What it is: Head temple of the Rinzai Zen Tenryu-ji school, founded in 1339. Its 14th-century pond garden borrows the Arashiyama hills as scenery.
Getting there: JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama (about 11 minutes), then 13 minutes' walk; or Randen Arashiyama Station, 5 minutes' walk.
Hours: 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:50). Closed 29–30 Oct 2026.
Admission: Garden ¥500; buildings +¥300; Cloud Dragon ceiling in the Hatto ¥500 (weekends, holidays and special periods)
Tip: Buildings sometimes close for ceremonies without notice. Combine with the Bamboo Grove next door.

Best time

Maples in November and cherry blossoms in early April.

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Sources: Admission and Access – Tenryu-ji (official) · Tenryu-ji Temple – Kyoto City Official Travel Guide · Comfortable access to Saga/Arashiyama

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