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Japan Sacred Spots

Tenryuji

京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町68View on map

Map

The head temple of the Rinzai Zen Tenryuji school, set in the scenic Arashiyama and Sagano area of Kyoto. The Sogenchi Teien garden, designed by the master Muso Soseki, is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and designated a National Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty.

Temple Info

Sect
臨済宗天龍寺派
Principal Image
釈迦三尊(大方丈安置の釈迦如来坐像は平安時代後期作)
Founded
1339年(暦応2年)

History & Origins

Founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, with Muso Soseki as the founding abbot, the temple was built to pray for the soul of Emperor Go-Daigo. It survived numerous fires over the centuries, including the destruction of the Onin War, to reach its present form.

Highlights

The Sogenchi Teien (a stroll garden that uses the mountains of Arashiyama and Kameyama as borrowed scenery), the dramatic Cloud Dragon painting on the ceiling of the Hatto lecture hall, and the nearby bamboo grove path are the key draws.

Visitor Guide

A perfect base for exploring Arashiyama. Most visitors combine a visit here with the bamboo grove and Togetsukyo Bridge. Separate admission tickets are available for the garden only, the main hall only, or full access.

Best Season

Beautiful in all four seasons—cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and snow all create striking scenery.

Annual Events

  • 2

    節分祭

    2月3日に行われる節分行事。豆まきや七福神めぐりが催され、多くの参拝者が訪れます。

  • 9

    後醍醐天皇忌

    9月15日、天龍寺創建の縁となった後醍醐天皇の命日に行われる法要。開創の由緒を偲ぶ重要な行事です。

  • 10

    開山忌(夢窓疎石忌)

    10月30日に開山・夢窓疎石の忌日を偲ぶ法要。庭園を遺した禅師への報恩の儀式です。