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All 310 Kyoto Attractions »

Tenryuji Temple

68 Saga Tenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8385, Japan
Ranked #34 of 278 attractions in Kyoto
4.5 of 5 stars 75 Reviews
Type: Religious Sites
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75 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Chicago, Illinois
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
48 helpful votes 48 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 9, 2012

The temple is nice, but the real reason to visit is for the gardens. They are beautiful and peaceful and very old. The tranquility of these places is such that my nine year old (who was not with me on the trip) LOVES the pictures of these gardens because, she says, they are so pretty. They're even prettier in person! More

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See 2 more reviews by ProfandMom for Kyoto
Sydney, Australia
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 14, 2012

This is by far one of the highlights of my trip. Make sure you visit this garden (500yen entry fee). It is the OLDEST garden in Japan and they have kept it exactly as it was designed in 1500's! The best part? a set vegatarian lunch served overlooking the garden dubbed as "Japan's national treasure". Only 3000 yen and served... More

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See 2 more reviews by Miriam w for Kyoto
Sunshine Coast QLD
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 30, 2011

Although Kyoto does not feel busy, the Arashiyama area feels very peaceful and relaxing by comparison. A very worthy World Heritage Site to experience. More

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See 5 more reviews by AandRK for Kyoto
los angeles
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
55 helpful votes 55 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 14, 2011

This temple is somewhat involved to get to as it is in Arashiyama which is not part of the central Kyoto bus route. It is very popular with Japanese tourists and can be very crowded which detracts from its claim to Zen fame. It is a place with amazing gardens and famous for its vegan set lunch. But the lunch... More

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See 7 more reviews by poggibonzzi for Kyoto
Nagoya, Japan
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 9, 2011

The highlight of this temple complex is the garden pond conceptualized by the legendary Muso Soseki (Japanese garden designer). It is impressive as it blends with the Arashiyama mountain serving as a back-drop especially during autumn time... When you view it from the inside of the wooden temple, the perspective of the pond is different, thus it is a must. More

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See 10 more reviews by NeilHTG for Kyoto
HONG KONG
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 6, 2011

I visited Tenryuji for my family event. The garden was kept very clean & tidy. Inside the temple's building you will see a range of masterpiecel. If anyone interested in an authentic vegetarian food, the restaurant "Shigetsu” inside this temple is the place to try. More

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See 5 more reviews by ggm_hk for Kyoto
exuma
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 7, 2011

Best to wander and take in the various smaller temples as well as the Main Hall and also the beautiful gardens,laid out originally in the 14th.century.Not to be missed afterwards is to exit at the top end of the gardens into the bamboo forest with the breath taking path. Deservedly a Unesco World Heritage Site! More

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Victoria, Canada
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
136 helpful votes 136 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed August 1, 2011
1
person found this review helpful

For an extra 100 yen (600 vs 500) you can not only enter the garden area, but the palace area as well. This will allow you to sit down in the temple at take a nice break to rest your feet and enjoy the atmosphere. The temple and gardens are great, and there is a nice sand garden in front... More

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See 10 more reviews by RSR74 for Kyoto
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed June 6, 2011

We paid 500+100 yen for both the temple and garden. Nothing much to see at both the sites. Better gardens in Nijo Castle. More

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Bangkok, Thailand
Top Contributor
77 reviews 77 reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 2, 2011

You can go through this garden to get to the bamboo trail. From Arashiyama station, it takes about 15-20mins on foot. Nice exercise! More

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See 7 more reviews by Bankokian for Kyoto

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