Admission
- Adult (18+)¥500
- High School Student (15-18)¥500
- Elementary/Junior High (6-14)¥300
At a Glance
Emperor Go-Daigo founded this temple in 1339 as a memorial to Emperor Daigo II, making it one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto with imperial patronage that shaped its prominence for centuries.
During Japan's Sengoku period, Tenryu-ji's buildings were repeatedly destroyed by warfare and fire, yet monks rebuilt it each time using the same Zen philosophy that teaches impermanence as a core truth.
This temple offers 2 different goshuin designs
Regular
¥1,000
Regular
Facilities
Garden and most paths are wheelchair accessible. Some areas have steps. Accessible toilets available.
Visit on a weekday morning before 10 AM to experience the temple gardens and buildings with minimal crowds, which is especially valuable since Tenryu-ji's famous rock garden and pond require quiet contemplation to appreciate fully.
Bring cash in small denominations because the temple's admission booth and any on-site shops may not accept cards, and you'll want to be prepared if you decide to make an offering or purchase incense.
Ask a temple staff member before photographing monks, ritual spaces, or any active ceremonies, as some areas restrict photography to preserve the meditative atmosphere and respect the privacy of those practicing.
Remove your shoes when entering indoor temple buildings and walk carefully on wooden floors, as the creaking boards are intentional design features meant to discourage intruders and you should move deliberately to avoid disturbing others.
Explore the northern section of the grounds beyond the main garden where fewer visitors venture, as you'll find quieter walking paths, secondary buildings, and views of the surrounding bamboo groves that offer a more solitary experience.
Time your visit to catch the afternoon light filtering through the temple's eastern windows, which illuminates the interior wooden beams and creates the best conditions for photography without needing a flash.
The divine spirits venerated at this sacred place
Fascinating facts about this place
Emperor Go-Daigo founded this temple in 1339 as a memorial to Emperor Daigo II, making it one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto with imperial patronage that shaped its prominence for centuries.
During Japan's Sengoku period, Tenryu-ji's buildings were repeatedly destroyed by warfare and fire, yet monks rebuilt it each time using the same Zen philosophy that teaches impermanence as a core truth.
The temple's garden was designed by the legendary Zen priest Muso Kokushi and features a pond shaped like the Chinese character for 'mind', creating a living meditation tool that visitors walk around rather than simply observe.
The temple's bamboo grove contains over 400 mature bamboo plants that create an otherworldly green tunnel, and the specific species and arrangement were chosen to produce distinct sounds when wind passes through.
Seasonal celebrations and special occasions
Ukyo, Kyoto Prefecture
More ways to continue from this place.
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What this place is believed to grant
4.0
1 review
Plan to come on a weekday morning before 10 a.m. if you want the gardens and main buildings with fewer people around. Bring cash in small bills, since the admission booth and any small purchases may not take cards.
Take off your shoes before entering indoor buildings and walk carefully on the wooden floors. Ask before photographing monks, ritual spaces, or ceremonies, and avoid flash where it is restricted.
If you have time, go beyond the main garden to the quieter northern paths and bamboo views. Afternoon light through the eastern windows is especially good for interior photos.
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10 recent visits and photo contributions
LSlauren schorr shared a goshuin
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