Tenryu-ji

Visiting Tenryu-ji 天龍寺 in Kyoto was a truly enjoyable experience. The temple grounds feel peaceful from the moment you enter, and the beautiful garden surrounding the main hall is one of the highlights. The combination of traditional architecture, quiet pathways, and carefully arranged nature creates a relaxing atmosphere that invites you to slow down and appreciate the view. The famous garden is especially impressive with its large pond, elegant rocks, and the beautiful arrangement of trees. No matter which season you visit—whether it’s fresh greenery, colorful autumn leaves, or gentle winter scenery—the landscape has its own charm. The way the garden blends naturally with the mountains behind it makes the view look almost like a living painting. Walking through Tenryu-ji gives a calm feeling and offers a wonderful way to enjoy both nature and traditional temple culture in Kyoto. It’s a lovely place to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and spend a quiet moment away from the busy city. I found the experience very memorable and would definitely recommend it. 🌿✨

Tenryu-ji (Arashiyama): Arashiyama’s Zen garden gem—its pond uses “borrowed scenery” to frame Arashiyama’s mountains (pure landscape magic). • Seasonal highlights: Fall = maple hues + mountain reflections; Spring = cherry blossoms dusting the garden. Pro Tips: • Walk 5 mins to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (perfect combo route). • Arrive <8am to skip crowds; the pond edge is the best spot for photos. This is Zen calm + Kyoto’s garden art at its finest. 5/5 stars. 🧘♂️🌿

Tenryu-ji is steeped in history and beauty, with the Sogenchi Garden unfolding like a living scroll of autumn colours and mountain views. The bamboo forest was spectacular and atmospheric, though the crowds built up rather early in the day (a reminder that this is a shared experience!). It’s really a lesson about finding stillness within movement, a rhythm between nature and people. Despite the busyness, the garden and grove were lovely and evoked a sense of serenity, as if time slowed just enough to notice the details.

Grounds were nice and went to two zen gardens. First near front was very small and no worth entry fee to me. Second near back was beautiful. Garden peaceful and building nice as well. There mid morning in November and it was not that crowded. Most people took the “normal” entry to bamboo Forrest where it was packed. This garden lets you out on the path you see in all the pictures. Before you exit you get a spectacular “backside” view of bamboo up the hill side. I would recommend entering the Forrest and pay the money to see this garden.

The best temple near the area due to I am only a tourist and it can walk from the bamboo forest. It is a must to visit to me due to a beautiful garden and see the different layers of color for the fall leaves. A lot of walking too. It is pretty

Beautiful temple, especially around the lake. You’ll see many people wearing kimonos and it’s wonderful. It’s 1000 yen per adult but it’s worth it and the leaves are now changing and showing their autumn colours ❤️

Beautiful shrine. We paid ¥800 for temple & garden entrance. The exit of the garden then lead to the bamboo forest which was perfect for the route. I’d recommend, but not a must do.

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.