"Wandering the garden paths of Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama offers a serene escape from the bamboo-grove crowds, and I recommend pairing that tranquility with a private river cruise lunch if you want an even quieter way to enjoy the area. " - Jessica Kozuka
Jessica Kozuka
Jessica Kozuka is a Japan-based freelance writer with nearly 20 years of experience. Her work has appeared in publications such as Wine Spectator, Travel + Leisure, CNN Travel, and The Japan Times.
Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
Beautiful stop as you are walking through the bamboo forest. We did not pay the extra to go inside. Beautifully maintained and peaceful. Outer trail goes up high to some decent vantage points of Kyoto.
Arup Angle
Google
Located in close proximity to Arashiyama bamboo groves, Tenryu-ju temple is a place worth visiting.
Apart from the shrine, do visit the gardens around as well. You will see the blooming trees of the specific season.
Crowd builds up from 9am onwards. Suggest to visit this after a walk in the groove earlier.
Karina O'Flynn
Google
Stunning temple. The gardens are beautiful and I would definitely recommend doing them!!! However I would not pay the extra to go in the actual temple as it really just is what you can see from the outside and you can get the appreciation of all of it from the gardens too!!!
Very tranquil, very peaceful. Clean toilets.
Tickets to be payed for in cash
Emeka Ogbonna
Google
This was a great place to be. We got there when it opened and there was a small line to get in. I recommend getting there as early as you can because by the time we finished it was jam packed. The garden was stunning and makes for a good instagram/facebook photos. Going up the stairs in forrest gives you great views of Mt Fuji if the clouds doesnt cover the amazing mountain.
Maggie Kiara
Google
Beautiful gardens! Note that you have to pay a separate fee to enter the buildings. We did not, but we still had a great time exploring the grounds. Little aspects of the garden felt very charming and special. Can become a bit crowded with tourists and school groups during peak season, but not too bad. Highly recommend a visit!
NIN Kongnav
Google
This is a must see in Arashiyama!! The ticket is 800Y (5.32$) for both temple and Garden. However, I only visited the garden which is 500Y (3.33$).
The garden in this temple is spectacular! It's one of the best in Kyoto with a mix of pine tree and deciduous trees. I imagine how beautiful that would be in Autumn. I visited there on 1 August 2025.
There are at a few train/tram stations nearby.
Ron Yang
Google
A UNESCO world heritage site. Entrance costs 500 yen. Entrance to the interior areas will cost you an additional 300 yen. Every visitor is given a brochure describing the history and a map that provides the walking path.
Most visitors bypass the interior area tour. The path is a bit hilly. The surrounding lawns and flora is well managed. Worth a walk.
The main sight is the main building overlooking the serene lake.
There are many benches for you to sit to savour the scenery. It is a sight to behold! Take your time to rest and sit - and reflect!
There are washrooms within the grounds.
High recommended, a must-go. Thumbs up!
Cody P
Google
The best part about this temple is the beautiful gardens and pond (costs 500¥ to enter). It’s a separate charge to enter the temple itself but we felt that the gardens were enough in our opinion. This is an easy temple to visit if you’re already in the area to see the bamboo grove.