Tenryu-ji (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Tenryu-ji?
What makes it 71% Kids-Friendly: Kids are admitted at discount and can enjoy open gardens and dragon ceiling, but there is no play area, sessions require silence, and touching artefacts is prohibited, so patience is needed.
Positives:
- Safe walking paths: Wide gravel paths keep kids close and safe as you tour the garden.
- Flexible admission: Children under 6 enter free, making family visits budget-friendly.
Challenges:
- Uneven terrain: Gravel paths and stone steps can be tricky with a stroller; bring a baby carrier.
- Limited on-site food: Shigetsu restaurant has no kids’ menu; pack snacks or plan a meal elsewhere.
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 with kids?
- Stroll the moss-covered Sogen Pond Garden with free entry for under-6 child.
- Explore Meiji-era halls and painted sliding doors.
- Spot the Cloud Dragon ceiling painting in the Dharma Hall.
- Wide paths and simple fees make it family-friendly.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the pond garden, main halls, and a snack break with kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Tenryu-ji
Sogen Pond Garden Walk:
Follow the wide path around the moss-lined pond and pine trees at the foot of Arashiyama.
Tip: Walk clockwise for best reflections and let kids spot koi near the shore.
Main Hall & Shoin Buildings:
Explore painted sliding doors and Meiji-era wooden halls.
Tip: Use the balcony view to show kids the roof’s tile patterns.
Cloud Dragon Ceiling Painting:
View the all-direction gaze dragon in the Dharma Hall.
Tip: Check Hatto opening days on the official site and arrive early to avoid queues.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Tenryu-ji
- Arrive at opening: Beat the crowds and enjoy clear garden views for photos.
- Combine nearby sites: After the temple, walk to the Sagano Bamboo Grove to keep kids engaged.
- Pack snacks and water: No snack shops inside; bring bottles and light snacks to keep kids energized.
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)?
Visit in spring for cherry blossoms framing the garden and in autumn for vibrant maple reflections. Summers can be hot, so bring water and hats.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Garden admission (2 adults + 1 child) | JPY 1,300 |
| Main Hall & Shoin (2 adults + 1 child) | JPY 900 |
| Cloud Dragon exhibit (2 adults + 1 child) | JPY 1,500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,700 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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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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