What other travelers are saying about Ryoan-ji Temple
Unbelievably beautiful.
We were fortunate to visit at the peak of autumn foliage and so at every turn, we had just the most beautiful vistas of red, orange and yellow to look at. Of the many beautiful places we got to visit during our trip, Ryoanji was the most breathtaking of them all for me personally.
I really appreciated the simplicity and serenity of the temple and the zen garden as well. Coming from a country that tends to noise and chaos, it was quite wonderful to sit quietly and calmly by the garden with people from different parts of the world and appreciate the beauty of stillness and being present in the moment.
There was also a beautiful display of dragon screens painted by an ex Prime Minister of Japan that was on during our visit.
All in all, one of the highlights of our trip.
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!
Ryoan-ji is a peaceful and serene spot, known for its famous rock garden. If you’re already in the area, it can be a nice place to stop, rest, and take in the tranquil atmosphere. The surrounding gardens and pond are pleasant, offering a relaxing break.
However, if visiting requires a significant detour, it might not be worth the effort. For the admission price, the experience feels a bit underwhelming compared to other attractions in Kyoto. While the rock garden is unique, it may not justify going out of your way if your time is limited.
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.
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.
