Tenryu-ji (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Tenryu-ji?
What makes it 89% Couple-Friendly: Scenic pond views, seasonal colors, shared vegetarian dining and quiet walkways create romantic atmosphere, and dual tickets for halls and dragon painting add engaging joint experiences.
Positives:
- Romantic Photo Spots: Benches around Sogen Pond frame reflections of pine trees and petals for memorable couple photos.
- Quiet Retreat: Hidden corridors near the Shoin building offer peaceful breaks away from busier sections.
Challenges:
- Crowd Peaks: Tour groups often arrive after 10:00 AM, making paths around the pond busy.
- Limited English Info: Event and exhibit details may only appear in Japanese; use a translation app.
What is Tenryu-ji?
- A Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1339 as the head temple of the Tenryū branch of Rinzai Zen
- A UNESCO World Heritage site situated at the foot of Kyoto’s Arashiyama mountains, featuring a garden centered on Sōgen Pond designed by Musō Soseki
- A historic complex that preserves a Fujiwara-period seated Buddha and Meiji-era wooden halls adorned with painted sliding doors
What is so special about Tenryu-ji for couple trip?
- Walk the mossy Sogen Pond with mountain views
- Step inside Meiji-era halls to see painted sliding doors
- Spot the dramatic Cloud Dragon ceiling artwork
- Join a free Sunday Zazen session for a shared zen moment
- Enjoy a vegetarian Shojin meal in a garden-view tatami room
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: A 2-3 hour visit covers the garden, halls, and a meditation or meal at a relaxed pace.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Tenryu-ji
Stroll Sogen Pond Garden:
Walk around the moss-lined pond with rock formations and pine trees set against Arashiyama mountains.
Tip: Arrive by 9:00 AM to catch the morning light and avoid tour group crowds.
Explore Main Hall & Shoin:
View the painted sliding doors and historic wooden architecture rebuilt in the Meiji era.
Tip: Buy the building ticket inside the gate to skip a second line.
Admire the Cloud Dragon Ceiling:
Gaze up at Matazō Kayama’s dragon painting in the Hatto Dharma Hall.
Tip: Check the temple calendar—this exhibit opens only on weekends and special days.
Practice Zazen Meditation:
Join a free beginner-friendly session on the second Sunday of the month.
Tip: Arrive by 8:50 AM at Yu’un-an and wear comfortable clothes you can sit in.
Dine at Shigetsu:
Savor a Shojin vegetarian meal in a tatami setting overlooking the garden.
Tip: Book at least 3 days ahead for two-person courses “Tsuki” or “Hana”.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Tenryu-ji
- Visit at Opening: Enter at 8:30 AM to enjoy quieter paths and best light for photos.
- Single Counter Tickets: Buy garden and hall tickets together at the gate to avoid multiple lines.
Reviews of Tenryu-ji
Karina O'Flynn
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
Mariah MacDonald
Gorgeous place! The temple was nice and cool in the insanely hot weather, and most tourists were quiet and respectful. The grounds were beautiful! Please wear socks when visiting.
Cody P
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.
Fazrul Azimi
Cost 500yen per person to enter the garden part as of the writing of the review. You need to pay separate to enter the temple itself with your shoes off. Worth every yen in my opinion. Very beutiful garden and pond near the temple. You can get beautiful shots of the place here. Would highly recommend here if you are planning to go to the bamboo forest.
C M
The nature surrounding this temple is the most beautiful i have seen comparing to other places. Absolutely wonderfull. When looking at the water, there are multiple seats to enjoy it for a longer time and relax. I just recommend other tourists to keep in mind that it is supposed to be a zen garden, so the experience is nicer when everyone stays quiet. It is a different experience when everyone i...
When is the best time to visit Tenryu-ji (Kyoto, Japan)?
In autumn (late Oct–early Dec), maples glow red around the pond. In spring (late Mar–early Apr), cherry blossoms bloom near the entrance. Visit early to photograph colors before crowds.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Garden admission (2 adults) | JPY 1,000 |
| Main Hall & Shoin entry (2 adults) | JPY 600 |
| Cloud Dragon fee (2 adults) | JPY 1,000 |
| Shojin meal (2 adults) | JPY 8,600 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 11,200 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Tenryu-ji
Address: Japan, 〒616-8385 京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町６８
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About Tenryu-ji
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 75-881-123510 BEST nearby Activities
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