See & Do
Tenri University’s Tenri Central Library

20^th Century

An historic library, fascinating on the inside and outside.

First opened in 1930 as one of the first modern libraries in Japan, Tenri University’s Tenri Central Library has only grown more beautiful with age.

One of the best examples of retro architecture in Japan, this building looks just as it did when it was first built, and is recognized as a national tangible cultural property. Its exterior and the surrounding trees give it a distinct air that attracts architecture fans to this day. Those gingko trees turn bright yellow every autumn, making this one of the most popular photo spots in Tenri as well.

However, for many researchers, it is what is inside the library that is even more spectacular. Tenri Central Library stores six national treasures, 87 important cultural artifacts, 66 important art works, and approximately 1.5 million texts, ranging from ancient texts, items related to Christianity, literature, etc. These items are not on display for the public, but some are sometimes on display in special exhibitions.

We don’t see libraries like this too often anymore, so it’s a great place to stop by when you come to Tenri. Especially in autumn when the golden gingko leaves are shining!

Access

By car: The library is about 4 km southeast of the Tenri IC on the Nishi-Meihan Expressway and 3 km south of the Tenri Higashi IC on the Meihan Expressway, on the Tenri University Somanouchi Campus.

By train: The library is about 2 km southeast of both JR and Kintetsu Tenri Stations, on the Tenri University Somanouchi Campus.

By bus: The library is a few hundred meters south of the “Tenri-daigaku (Tenri Univ.)” bus stop on Nara Kotsu’s No. 61 line, on the Tenri University Somanouchi Campus.

Environment

The library is located in the middle of the Tenri University Somanouchi Campus. It is within walking distance of Tenri University’s Tenri Sankokan Museum, as well as Isonokami Jingu shrine, Nishiyama Kofun tomb, and the Tenrikyo Church Headquarters. It is an area full of history, so we hope you have time to take a long walk!

Point

Tenri University’s Tenri Central Library has a collection that is comparable with national museums and national institutions. The library usually shows some of its collection in an annual exhibition at Tenri University’s Tenri Sankokan Museum, and we highly recommend seeing it when you get the chance.

Map

Information

Course：	Tenri Station Area Course
Address：	1050 Somanouchi Town, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture
Admission：	Free
Parking：	Yes
Rest Area：	Yes
Toilet：	Yes
Contact：
Website：	Tenri Central Library Home Page (Japanese only)
Social Media：

Photo Gallery