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.
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (March - November)
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (December - February)
No closing days
All Year
All ages are welcome
600 yen (Adults)
300 yen (Children under 15)
