Tenryū-ji at a glance
Tenryū-ji was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo, with Musō Soseki as its founding abbot. It is part of the UNESCO listing Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, inscribed in 1994. Its main attraction is the Sōgenchi garden, a pond garden designed by Musō Soseki that borrows the mountain landscape behind it.
The garden exit at the north gate leads straight to the public bamboo path, so most visitors combine the two. The bamboo path itself is a public road and is free. The garden is not, and the garden ticket is what you pay for the walk through to the north gate.
Entry fees 2026
Prices are in JPY. If you would rather not plan the walk yourself, a guided option such as an Arashiyama walking tour covers the Tenryū-ji garden.
| Area | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garden, adults and high-school students | JPY 500 | Includes the walk to the north gate |
| Garden, elementary and junior-high students | JPY 300 | Preschool children are free |
| Halls | Garden price plus JPY 300 | Added to the garden ticket |
| Hatto (Cloud Dragon) | JPY 500 extra | Separate, not part of the halls fee |
| Disability discount | JPY 100 off | For the person and up to 1 companion |
Our pick: a walk with the Tenryū-ji garden
This walk includes the temple garden and continues into the bamboo.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Arashiyama tours that include Tenryū-ji
Walking tours and day tours that stop at Tenryū-ji and the bamboo path, with current prices and availability. Check what each tour includes before you book.
Opening hours
The garden is open from 08:30 to 17:00, and the last entry is at 16:50. The halls are open from 08:30 to 16:45, with last entry at 16:30. The Hatto is open from 09:00 to 16:30, with last entry at 16:20. It is normally open on weekends and public holidays, plus special periods in spring and autumn.
From 14 to 30 November 2026 the garden opens early, at 07:30, through the garden reception only. The north gate opens at 08:30 as usual, and the early opening does not apply to the halls or the bamboo path.
Halls and the Hatto can have closure days. Check the temple's current notice before you go.
The garden route to the bamboo path
The Sōgenchi garden is a stroll garden around a pond. The path leads on through the Hyakka'en garden to the north gate, and from there onto the public bamboo path, Chikurin-no-Komichi. That path runs from Nonomiya shrine past the north gate of Tenryū-ji toward Ōkōchi Sansō and is about 400 m long.
The north gate opens at 08:30. See the best time to visit for the bamboo path early in the day, and Ōkōchi Sansō for the next stop.
Getting to Tenryū-ji
Walking times to the temple.
From JR
It is a 13-minute walk from Saga-Arashiyama station on the JR Sagano Line.
From Hankyu
It is a 15-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama station.
By bus
City bus 11, 28 and 93 and Kyoto Bus 61, 72 and 83 serve the temple. Stop names can differ, so check the stop for your bus before you board, and expect detours during busy periods. Buses from Kyoto Station can be slow and full.
By car
The car park costs JPY 1,000 per visit, with 100 spaces and no reservation. It is open from 08:30 to 17:00, and from 07:30 during the early opening. See getting to Arashiyama for the train routes.
Tenryū-ji: frequently asked questions
How much does Tenryū-ji cost?
The garden is JPY 500 for adults and high-school students and JPY 300 for elementary and junior-high students. Preschool children are free. The halls add JPY 300, and the Hatto is another JPY 500.
Can I walk through the garden to the bamboo path for free?
No. The garden exit to the north gate is part of the paid visit. The bamboo path itself is a public road and is free.
When does Tenryū-ji open?
The garden opens at 08:30 and closes at 17:00, with last entry at 16:50. From 14 to 30 November 2026 the garden opens at 07:30 through the garden reception.
Is Tenryū-ji a UNESCO site?
Yes. It is part of Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, inscribed in 1994. The whole bamboo path is not part of the temple grounds.
Is there parking?
Yes, for cars: JPY 1,000 per visit, 100 spaces, no reservation, from 08:30 to 17:00.
How far is Tenryū-ji from the station?
13 minutes on foot from JR Saga-Arashiyama and 15 minutes from Hankyu Arashiyama.