Arashiyama Tenryuji

日本語 (Japanese)

Arashiyama – Tenryuji Temple 嵐山～天龍寺

Overview

Arashiyama is a beautiful area of Kyoto. It is justly famed for its river views, Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji Temple, a bamboo forest, and much more. The Arashiyama to Tenryuji route is short, flat, and easy.

Tenryuji Temple is a World Heritage site a very short walk or ride from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Line. It is one of the Five Great Zen temples of Kyoto, and was established in 1339 C.E. by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji. It boasts amazing gardens and views of the surrounding mountains.

Tenryuji Temple was the residence of Emperor Go-Saga in 1270 and then Kameyama, who died 1304.

When Go-Daigo, another resident Emperor, died in 1338, Muko Takauji, a zen priest, had a dream in which Go-Daigo rose from the Oi River in Arashiyama. The late emperor rose in the form of a gold dragon.

To allay the spirt of the deceased emperor, Takauji ordered the building of Tenyuji Temple.

Tenryuji became huge over time, numbering 150 sub-temples and spreading almost to Koryuji Temple in Uzumasa.

Getting to the Starting Point

If you are coming from downtown or even the Golden Pavilion, it is a long ride. From Gosho (Imperial Palace), riding along Marutamachi Dori it will take you 20 - 30 minutes to get there.

If that is too far, there is a rental shop in Arashiyama close to the Hankyu Arashiyama train station. Bikes are 800 yen per day.

Note: At the peak times of year - cherry season and fall foliage - the main area of Arashiyama is very crowded: cars, buses, and pedestrians vie for space. Cycling can be impossible in places, especially on weekends and national holidays.

Tenryuji Temple MyTenryujioshinji Temple

Tenryuji Temple

Tenryuji Temple

Directions 

From Arashiyama Station, head towards the Katsura River. Just before you get to the river, turn right. Wander the back streets until you arrive at the temple.

From here you can continue on to one of many possible routes: Adashino Nenbutsu Temple, Daikakuji Temple, or across for a leisurely ride along the Katsura River.

Total Riding Time

Thirty minutes riding time from Keifuku Arashiyama Station, 3 hours from City Hall.

Arashiyama Arashiyama Bike Sign

Bamboo Forest Arashiyama

Bike Parking Sign Arashiyama

More Information

Tenryuji Temple

68 Susukinobaba-cho, Tenryuji, Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 
075 881 1235

Entrance Fee: 500 yen

Adashino Nenbutsu

17 Adashino-cho, Toriimoto, Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
075 861 2221

Entrance Fee: 500 yen

Okochi Sanso Villa

8 Tabuchiyama-cho Saga Ogurayama Ukyo-ku Kyoto
075 872 2233
Open: 9 am – 5 pm
Adults: 1,000 yen
Elementary School Students: 500 yen

Tenzan no Yu (public bath)

Three-minute walk from Arisugawa Station on the Keifuku Line 
075 882 4126
Open: 10 am – 1 am
Adults: 1,000 yen
Elementary School Students: 500 yen

Map

Arashiyama to Tenryuji Temple Route

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