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Tenryu-ji 天龍寺

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 1 post since 2010

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Visiting Tenryu-ji today

  • 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.
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Maples in November and cherry blossoms in early April.

Checked against: Admission and Access – Tenryu-ji (official) · Tenryu-ji Temple – Kyoto City Official Travel Guide · Comfortable access to Saga/Arashiyama. Check opening times and prices before you go.

Tenryu-ji on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

Travel

Tenryu-ji Garden, Arashiyama

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…