Tenryuji
京都府
World Heritage Zen temple founded to mourn Emperor Go-Daigo — Muso Soseki's masterpiece Sogenchi Garden
Founded
1339
Type
Temple
Visited
Want to go
Access
Right at Keifuku Arashiyama Station
68 Saga-Tenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
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Overview
Head temple of the Rinzai Tenryuji-ha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in 1339 by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji to pray for the repose of Emperor Go-Daigo. The Sogenchi Garden, designed by Muso Soseki, is a masterpiece strolling pond garden that borrows Mt. Arashiyama and Mt. Kameyama as its backdrop, celebrated for the sublime views of spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage reflected in the…
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Origins
Founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to mourn Emperor Go-Daigo, with Muso Soseki as founding priest. 'Tenryuji Ships' were sent to Yuan China to fund construction. Ranked 1st of the Kyoto Five Mountains. Despite eight fires, Muso Soseki's Sogenchi Garden survives from the founding era as a Special Pl…
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Divine Benefits
Warding Off Evil
Purification
Rebirth in Pure Land
Averting disaster, directional protection, warding off epidemics. Central at Fudo, Kannon, and Gion-related sites.
Derived from the enshrined deity "釈迦如来"
人Related Figures— 2
人
E
Emperor Go-Daigo
Architect of the Kenmu Restoration
Age 51 at founding
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Head temple of the Rinzai Tenryuji school and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to pray for the repose of Emperor Go-Daigo.
Ashikaga Takauji
First Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate
Age 34 at founding
›
Head temple of the Rinzai Tenryuji-ha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in 1339 by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji to pray for the repose of Emperor Go-Daigo.
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Visiting Information
Hours
Garden (Sogenchi Pond, Hyakkaen): 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:50). Main halls (Daihojo, Shoin, Tahoden): 8:30–16:45 (last entry 16:30).
Admission
Garden only: high-school age and above ¥500, elementary/junior high ¥300, preschool free. Visiting the main halls adds ¥300 to the garden fee.
As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.
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