Tenryuji's Imperial Envoy Gate is considered the oldest structure in the temple. This gate was built as the official entrance to the temple for use by the emperor's envoys when they visited the temple. It is said that the gate was originally built during the Keicho era (1596-1615) as a forbidden gate for the Myosho-in Temple of the Imperial Palace, and was moved to Tenryu-ji Temple in 1641. It is said to have been moved to Tenryuji Temple in 1641. The architectural style of the gate is a shikyakumon (four-legged gate) with a gabled copper shingle roof. It is accompanied by an 11.8-meter-long tiled roof and a Tsukiji wall. The gate was designated as a cultural property by Kyoto Prefecture on April 15, 1988.