Tenryu-ji Temple

UNESCO World Heritage

天龍寺

Tenryu-ji is a large Zen temple in the Saga-Arashiyama area of Kyoto. It was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to honor Emperor Go-Daigo, and it was once the top temple of Kyoto's Five Mountains. The highlight is the Sogen Pond Garden, made by Zen master Muso Soseki, with the Arashiyama hills behind it and beautiful views in every season. The temple is part of the World Heritage site, and from its north gate you can walk into the famous Sagano bamboo forest.

Open in Google Maps ↗ Directions ↗

Visitor information

Opening hours

8:30 to 17:00 (last entry 16:50). The halls (Daihojo, Shoin, Tahoden) are open 8:30 to 16:45 (last entry 16:30).

Closed

Open every day, but the halls are sometimes closed without notice for ceremonies. In 2026 the halls close on April 1 (from 12:30) and October 29–30.

Admission

Garden: high school students and older 500 yen, elementary and junior high students 300 yen, preschool children free. Add 300 yen to also enter the halls.

The Cloud Dragon painting in the Hatto (Dharma Hall) costs 500 yen extra. It is open on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and every day in certain spring and autumn periods.

Getting there

Right in front of Keifuku (Randen) Arashiyama Station. About 13 minutes' walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station), or 15 minutes from Hankyu Arashiyama Station.

By bus: City Bus 11, 28 or 93 (or Kyoto Bus 61, 72, 83) to the Arashiyama Tenryu-ji Mae stop, in front of the temple.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

Special early-morning visits: November 14–30, 2026, the garden opens from 7:30 (garden entrance only; north gate from 8:30).
Visitors with a disability certificate get 100 yen off, for the holder and up to one carer.
Shigetsu, the temple's own restaurant, serves Buddhist vegetarian food (shojin ryori) made without any animal ingredients. Garden fee is extra; some sets need a reservation. The page does not say whether alcohol (e.g. mirin) is used, so ask if needed.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Shigetsu, the temple's own restaurant, serves Zen vegetarian cuisine made from vegetables, herbs and wild plants, without taking any animal's life. For 2 or more people, book at least 3 days ahead. The page does not mention halal certification or seasonings.
Kyoto's official tourism site lists the Yosiya prayer room at 31 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo-ku. You pray in a tatami room, and there is a wash basin for wudu. It is open 11:00–17:00 and only for the restaurant's customers.
Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kyoto and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.