Tenryu-ji Temple Autumn Leaves 2026
Last updated: July 28, 2026. Typical viewing times and details below are compiled from official park, temple, city and tourism-association websites (linked at the end of this page). The dates of annual night light-ups are set each year — check the official site before you travel.
Maples ring the Sogenchi pond garden while the borrowed scenery of Arashiyama, Kameyama and Ogura mountains blazes red and gold behind it.
Key Facts
| Typical peak | Mid-November to early December |
|---|---|
| Best months | November–December |
| Location | Kyoto, Kyoto |
| Nearest station | Randen (Keifuku) Arashiyama Station (adjacent); JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (~13 min walk) |
| Admission | Garden 500 yen (high-school and above), 300 yen (elementary/junior-high); +300 yen to also enter the temple buildings. Confirm current rates on the official site. |
| Night light-up | No autumn night light-up |
| Official site | https://www.tenryuji.com/ |
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Highlights
- Sogenchi Zen garden framed by fiery maples with Arashiyama as borrowed scenery
- UNESCO World Heritage temple, head temple of the Rinzai Tenryu-ji school
- Early-morning autumn opening at 7:30 (roughly Nov 15-30) for quieter foliage viewing
Where to See the Autumn Leaves
Sogenchi Garden (Paid)
The famous 14th-century pond-and-stroll garden designed by Muso Soseki, edged with maples and backed by the Arashiyama hills in autumn colour.
Enter via the garden gate on the temple grounds; garden admission required.
Early-morning autumn opening (Paid)
During peak foliage the north gate opens an hour early (7:30) so visitors can see the morning sun light the garden before the crowds.
Same garden entrance; runs roughly Nov 15-30 each year (confirm dates on the official site).
Getting There
From Kyoto Station take the JR Sagano (Sanin) Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (about 15 min), then walk ~13 minutes; or take the Randen (Keifuku) Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station, right by the temple.
Crowd & Timing Tips
- Arrive at opening (or during the 7:30 early-morning autumn access) to beat the Arashiyama crowds
- Weekday mornings and the early-December leaf-fall period are calmer than late-November weekends
About Tenryu-ji Temple
Founded in 1339 by shogun Ashikaga Takauji to honour Emperor Go-Daigo, it is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of Rinzai Zen and a registered UNESCO World Heritage site.
See more autumn-leaf spots: Kansai Autumn Leaves 2026 · Japan Autumn Leaves Guide 2026