Question 1

What is the nearest station?

Accepted Answer

The nearest is Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Railway Arashiyama Line, right in front of the temple as you step off. You can also come from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line, about 13 minutes' walk, or Hankyu Arashiyama Station, about 15 minutes' walk.

Question 2

How does it combine with other places in Arashiyama?

Accepted Answer

Tenryuji makes an ideal starting point for seeing Arashiyama. The Togetsukyo bridge, the bamboo grove path and Nonomiya Shrine are all within walking distance. The Sagano Romantic Train and the Randen tram are also good ways to explore the area.

Question 3

What are the visiting hours and charges?

Accepted Answer

The garden (Sogenchi and Hyakkaen) is open 8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:50). Admission is 500 yen for high school age and above and 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Entry to the temple buildings, including the Ohojo, Shoin and Tahoden, costs a further 300 yen. The special viewing of the Cloud Dragon painting in the Hatto is a further 500 yen.

Question 4

When was the temple founded?

Accepted Answer

It was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, to pray for the soul of Emperor Go-Daigo, with Muso Soseki as founding priest, on the site of Retired Emperor Go-Saga's Kameyama Palace. In the Muromachi period it ranked first among the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto.

Question 5

Is it a World Heritage site?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

Question 6

What sort of garden is the Sogenchi garden?

Accepted Answer

It is a stroll garden around a pond, laid out by the founding priest Muso Soseki, borrowing Arashiyama and Mount Kameyama as its backdrop. It was the first garden in Japan designated a Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and it preserves the Zen temple style of the Nanboku-cho period. Cherry blossom in spring and autumn leaves show beautifully against the garden, which is worth seeing in every season.

Question 7

When can I see the Cloud Dragon painting in the Hatto?

Accepted Answer

The special viewing of the Cloud Dragon painting is normally held only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (except 1-2 January), 9:00-16:30. During the special spring and autumn viewing periods it is open every day. A separate charge of 500 yen applies.

Question 8

Is there a special viewing in the autumn leaf season?

Accepted Answer

During the special spring and autumn viewing periods the Cloud Dragon painting in the Hatto is open every day. The autumn leaf season is a particularly beautiful time, when the trees in the garden turn colour. From 14 to 30 November 2026 the gates open early, at 7:30.

Question 9

How long does a visit take?

Accepted Answer

Seeing the garden and the temple buildings takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Allow more time if you also want to see the Cloud Dragon painting in the Hatto.

Question 10

Can I visit the sub-temples within the grounds?

Accepted Answer

Sub-temples such as Kogenji and Hoganin are normally closed to the public but can be visited during the special spring and autumn opening periods, when you can see their own gardens and cultural properties.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There is parking for about 100 cars in the temple grounds (1,000 yen per visit). The Arashiyama area is very busy in the tourist seasons, however, so we recommend coming by public transport.

Question 12

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

Garden 8:30-17:00 (last entry 16:50); temple buildings 8:30-16:45 (last entry 16:30).

Question 13

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 14

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

68 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Question 15

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Garden (Sogenchi and Hyakkaen): 500 yen for high school age and above, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Entry to the temple buildings is 300 yen on top of the garden charge. The special viewing of the Cloud Dragon painting in the Hatto costs a further 500 yen.

Question 16

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open all year.

Question 17

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

Right by Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Railway Arashiyama Line. 13 minutes' walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line. 15 minutes' walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station.

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