Tenryu temple

A famous garden with Arashiyama as a backdrop and a spectacular ceiling painting welcome you

This temple is the head temple of the Tenryuji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, and was founded in 2 by Ashikaga Takauji on the site of the former Kameyama Palace to pray for the repose of Emperor Godaigo. It is also famous as the first temple in Japan to be designated as a historic site and a special place of scenic beauty. The impressive cloud dragon painting on the ceiling of the lecture hall and the Bodhidharma painting on the folding screen at the main entrance to the kitchen are must-sees.
The Sogenchi Garden, which uses the Arashiyama mountain as a backdrop, was designed by Muso Soseki, the founder (first chief priest) of Tenryu-ji Temple and a famous landscape gardener. It is Japan's first historic site and special place of scenic beauty.

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  This painting of a cloud dragon was painted by Japanese painter Kayama Matazo as part of a project to commemorate the 650th anniversary of the death of Muso Kokushi, the founder of Tenryu-ji Temple.

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  The Cloud Dragon painting in the Hatto Hall is open to the public every Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, and during special visitation periods in spring and autumn. The spring dates are from March 1st (Sun) to May 31st (Sun), 2026.

• Official website