Tenri University is located in the center of Tenri City, which is famous both for Tenrikyo and its cultural heritage. The population is approximately 70,000. The City is surrounded by historic areas such as the Yamato Aogaki Quasi-National Park in the east, the Kongo Ikoma Quasi-National Park in the west, and Nara City, Japan's capital in the 8th century, in the north. Moreover, on a fine day the University buildings command a fine view of the Yamato Sanzan Mountains to the south. The Tenrikyo Church Headquarters, the Furu River (frequently referred to in Japanese ancient poetry), and Yamanobe-no-Michi, the oldest pathway in Japan, are within a few minutes of walk from the University campus.

A public transportation system consisting of the JR (Japan Railways), the Kintetsu Railways, and the Meihan Expressway is well organized so that it takes only an hour from Tenri City to Osaka and Kyoto.