Tenryuji Revisited 2019 - Kyoto

Located at Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo Ward in Kyoto City, Tenryuji (天龍寺) is the head temple of the Tenryuji branch of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. This temple was also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. 

Tenryuji (天龍寺)

My wife, daughter, and I first visited Tenryuji during our 2018 Japan trip. We revisited Tenryuji again this year and with us this time were my parents and siblings. Aside from that, unlike our first visit, we now got to go inside the Sogenchi Garden vicinity and see with our own eyes the picturesque garden and the Sogenchi Pond. 

Muso Soseki

Sogenchi Garden History

Speaking of Sogenchi Garden and Sogenchi Pond, both were designed and created by Muso Soseki in the 14th century. Unlike the temple buildings of Tenryuji which were destroyed and reconstructed several times, the garden still retains its original appearance. It is currently designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan and is one of the highlights of the temple complex. 

Welcome to Tenryuji

To visit this part of the temple, you have to pay an entrance fee of 500 yen per adult and 300 yen per child. You won't get in the temple though as it has a different entrance fee. It's just for the garden area. Regardless, this part of Tenryuji can stand alone as a tourist spot in itself. Nature lovers would surely appreciate the layout of this historic garden plus the numerous fauna that can be found there. 

What to See at Tenryuji:

Hatto (Dharma Hall)

Tenryuji's Kuri

Tenryuji's Hojo (Abbot's Quarters)

Tahoden (Hall of Many Treasures)

Sogenchi Teien

Tenryuji's wishing pond

If you want to see more amazing nature scenes, then exit at the far end of Tenryuji's Sogenchi Garden. There, you'll find yourself in one of Kyoto's most famous tourist destination - the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Although the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is not part of Tenryuji, it's good to note that the two are interconnected by history and nature. You can read more about Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by clicking THIS. 

The path to Sogenchi Teien

Ella at Sogenchi Teien

We got to visit Tenryuji again on the 2nd day of our 2019 Japan trip. During the said visit, I made sure to get a goshuin of Tenryuji before entering its garden area as I failed to do this during my first visit. If you're wondering why we did not enter the Kuri building, it's all because my parents are both nature lovers aside from that we've visited several historical destinations already. It's time to see some nature instead. 

Team Nicerio at Tenryuji's Sogenchi Teien

Tenryuji Admission Fee:

The entrance fee to Tenryuji varies depending on which part you'd visit. 

The entrance fee to the Sogenchi Pond and Garden is 500 for adults and 300 for children.

The entrance fee to the Ohojo, Shoin, and Tahodo Halls is 300 yen.

Tenryuji Opening Hours:

Tenryuji is open 8:30AM to 5:30PM every day.

Why Visit Tenryuji?

Don't forget to visit Tenryuji when you plan to visit the Arashiyama Area of Kyoto. You may want to see with your own eyes its historical temple building or its picturesque garden and pond or better yet do both. Whatever you choose, you'd surely get your money's worth. 

Tenryuji's goshuin

Getting to Tenryuji:

 

From Kyoto Station walk to Kyoto Eki-mae bus stop and ride bus #28 to Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae bus stop. From there walk for about 400 meters to reach Tenryuji.

Fare: 230 yen

Ratings:

Pilgrims

Cleanliness

Overall rating