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Ryoan-ji Temple

Name: Ryoan-ji Temple
Address: 13 Ryōanji Goryōnoshitachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001, Japan
Rating: 4.5

4.5 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Ryoan-ji Temple, the Temple of the Dragon at Peace, is pivotal in Kyoto's rich tapestry of historical and spiritual sites. Originating as an aristocratic villa in the Heian Period, it was converted into a Zen temple in 1450, adhering to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai Zen Buddhism sect. Its most striking feature, the karesansui (dry landscape) rock garden, presents a meditative space with fifteen stones arranged meticulously amongst raked gravel, encapsulating the Zen aesthetic of simplicity and introspection.

This layout, designed from the temple's veranda, ingeniously ensures that not all stones can be seen simultaneously from any point, inviting endless contemplation and interpretation. Beyond the garden, Ryoan-ji Temple also boasts a water garden known as Kyoyochi Pond, dating back to its origins as a villa and a teahouse, enriching the visitor's experience with its varied landscapes.

Ryoan-ji Temple's rock garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not just a visual spectacle but a spiritual journey, challenging visitors to seek inner peace through its minimalist beauty and the mysteries of its arrangement. The temple's historical resilience, surviving the Ōnin War and a devastating fire in 1779, adds depth to its serene ambiance, making it a must-visit for those seeking to delve into Japan's Zen Buddhist traditions and the philosophical underpinnings of Japanese aesthetics.

Hours:

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (March - November)

8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (December - February)

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All Year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Admission Fee:

600 yen (Adults)

300 yen (Children under 15)

Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 75-463-2216

Website

www.ryoanji.jp

The area

Address

13 Ryōanji Goryōnoshitachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001, Japan

Top ways to experience Ryoan-ji Temple

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What other travelers are saying about Ryoan-ji Temple

You will not regret visiting this Zen place at all. I loved how it’s not crowded as you know everywhere in Kyoto is now fully packed with tourists. It is not a Wow place but somewhere you can find peace. Except the famous stone garden, the trees the pond and everywhere is just too pretty like a paint. *highly recommend to try the tofu meal from the restaurant there - nice food with nice view = PERFECT!

Charlie Chan

Nov 26, 2024

This is a place you definitely should NOT pass up on a trip to Kyoto. Most folks have seen a zen rock garden or two, but this one takes the cake. Especially during the fall with the autumn colors. A breathtaking and gorgeous view. The temple itself as well is beautiful inside with cool artworks on the sliding doors.

Austin Henson

Dec 3, 2024

Such a beautiful temple to visit. The best part is that it's not as busy as some of the more popular ones. We ended up having lunch there since the meal in a traditional and peaceful setting overlooking the garden is an experience itself. They offer 2 tofu set: basis for 1800 yen, and the one w various veggies for 3800 yen. Either way, it's a wonderful experience that we glad we had.

Jennie

Nov 4, 2024

Buddhist temple complex with beautiful park and Zen garden made of stones. The entrance fee (600 yen) can only be paid in cash. The ticket office is located outside the entrance. The main house is very beautiful. Walking through the house is interesting. The Zen garden is very calming and invites you to linger. You shouldn't plan more than an hour for a visit.

Oskar Vitlif

Aug 6, 2024

Entrance fee: 600yen only payable by cash!! 30mn visit. It's a very nice temple, great stroll in the park and there's a zen garden with 13 stones. No matter where you stand you will never see all 13 at the same time. This means that you can search for perfection all your life but you will never find it. Zen garden is very relaxing where you can sit and enjoy the moment.