Tenryu-ji

This UNESCO site is perfect if you’re into Japanese gardens, landscaping, and architecture. However, if you’re not one to sit quietly and soak in the ambiance, this might not be the best spot for you. After going there 3 times (spring, summer, autumn), autumn is my favorite time! There are two types of tickets: garden and building. If you can only choose one, I’d recommend the garden ticket—it offers much more to explore and is ideal for those who appreciate serene outdoor spaces. The building ticket mainly gives access to a space where you can relax and enjoy the views, which I personally found enjoyable. When I visited in December, one of the main halls was closed, so there wasn’t as much to see as I’d hoped. Additionally, the site can be incredibly crowded, with plenty of tour groups coming through, so expect some chaos and noise, which detracts from the overall tranquility. While I found it amazing, thanks to my love for Japanese aesthetics, I’d suggest managing your expectations if you’re not deeply interested in these aspects. It’s worth visiting for the cultural significance, but the crowds and limited access might make it less enjoyable for some.

World heritage temple that is next to the equally famous bamboo forest. Visitors Amy either buy tickets for entry to the garden only or to the temple + garden. We did the latter. The temple was beautiful and sparse, but we get to walk into the various rooms. You first need to enter the temple, then visit the garden after that. It is a one-way trip from there (i.e. once you leave the garden, you can't get back in). From there we exited to the north gate, which leads to the bamboo forest, which is free and can be accessed without paying for the temple visit. The forest lovely but was very busy. But we were there just around 2 pm, so that's expected. The forest is on paved surface and wheelchair/pram accessible. Parking is available in the temple ground for ¥1000 for whole day (till 5 pm). I'd suggest to park here and visit the nearby shops and restaurants as it is good value for money. Car must leave the temple parking by 5 pm or there's an additional charge of ¥2000.

A template which you can pay an entrance fee to see the garden and/or house. We did the garden and it was beautiful. It’s not too long of a walk through the area and you can see a big lake next to the house. Very scenic even in the winter. The exit is right next to the bamboo forest.

All photos were taken on 25/03/23. Tenryuji Temple has a wonderful Japanese garden, considered one of the most exquisite traditional gardens in Japan. It's close to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, so don't forget to check out this World Heritage temple. Especially during the cherry blossom season, the cherry blossoms will attract a large number of tourists, so I recommend going during a time when the crowds are less, such as between 1200 and 1300.

Visited October 2024. I love it!! I would like to come back and just hang out again, sit & watch all the people passing by. I had a zen time in this beautiful place. Tenryuji is one of my favorite places in Kyoto.

A world heritage attraction to visit, need to pay for entry. A lot of tourists here, need to queue to find a good photo taking spot. The vibe here is very zen , can feel the breeze from other mountains. We enjoy the vibe here even though many tourists blocking our way.

Great and large Japanese Garden. I would like to stay in this temple one night, it would be wonderful.(Actually, you can't stay there) You should be careful of seasons you come. I recommend this season (end of November to beginning of December) to see like my photos.

This temple was calm and nice with all trees. I came during Fall season and there was some change of color. There was Japanese style garden decorations. There were many locations for taking pictures.