Trip Planner:   Asia  /  Japan  /  Kinki  /  Kyoto Prefecture  /  Kyoto  /  Ryoanji Temple

Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto

3.8
#10 of 347 in Historic Sites in Kyoto
Religious Site Tourist Spot
With a history spanning over five centuries, Ryoanji Temple boasts probably the nation's most iconic rock garden. Founded in 1450, the temple stands atop an even older aristocrat's residence. The garden notably features 15 rocks of varying sizes and shapes spread out across the surface, each surrounded by a small patch of moss. Think about the mysterious symbolism of the garden, which features a design that obscures at least one rock from view from all angles. Afterwards, wander the extensive temple grounds, which boast a number of walking trails, shrines, flowering trees, and a pond. Wrap up you visit with a quick meal at the onsite cafe. Take a look at our Kyoto trip generator to schedule your visit to Ryoanji Temple and learn about what else to see and do during your holiday.
Create an itinerary including Ryoanji Temple
map
Related Tours to Book
Kyoto Morning Tour: Kyoto Imperial Palace, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $59
Private Custom Tour: Kyoto in One Day BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $124
Private Scholar-led Kyoto Walking Tour: Japanese Gardens and Landscape BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $72
Scholar-led Small-Group Kyoto Walking Tour: Japanese Gardens and Landscape BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $89
Private Full Day Kyoto Streets Tour with a Photographer BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $695
View more tours
Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
2,010 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • August 17, 2017
    Considered a minor destination, is an oasis of peace and greenery that is worth a visit, just a few bus stops from the Golden Pavilion. Meditative zen garden of stones, to contemplate the landscape of the Park.
    View original
  • August 17, 2017
    A big Park nice to stroll around the Lake covered with water lilies but it must be shoes, sit on the veranda of the main building and get lost in meditation of the fabulous dry garden and its 14 rocks planted on a bit of foam in the gravel... You'll forget all others!
    View original
  • August 17, 2017
    Spectacular gardens with a beautiful temple, you can stroll streets through a forest with trees and plants very well distributed and care
    View original
View more on TripAdvisor »

Plan your trip to Kyoto

  • Get a personalized plan

    A complete day-by-day itinerary
    based on your preferences

  • Customize it

    Refine your plan. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules

  • Book it

    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off

  • Manage it

    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Best things to do in Kyoto

Popular
©
Kiyomizu-dera
Kyoto
Visit for: 3​h
©
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Kyoto
Visit for: 3​h
©
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Historic Sites
©
Nijo Castle
Kyoto
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
©
Sanjusangendo Temple
Kyoto
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
©
Heian Shrine
Kyoto
Visit for: 1​h
Side Trips
©
Universal Studios Japan
Osaka
Visit for: 6​h
©
Osaka Castle
Osaka
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
©
Byodoin
Uji
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Hidden Gems
©
Katsura Imperial Villa
Kyoto
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
©
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
Kyoto
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
©
Bamboo Forest Street
Kyoto
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Parks
©
Nanzen-ji Temple
Kyoto
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
©
Okochi Sanso Garden
Kyoto
Visit for: 2​h
©
Saihoji Temple
Kyoto
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Nearby
©
Arashiyama
Kyoto
Visit for: 6​h
Gion
Kyoto
Visit for: 3​h
©
Kinkaku-ji
Kyoto
Visit for: 1​h
Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Where to stay in Kyoto

©
Kyoto spoils visitors for choice when it comes to good accommodations, offering everything from traditional ryokans to luxury Western-style hotels. In a city used to receiving foreign travelers, you'll find that most establishments know exactly what to offer tourists and how to help newcomers to the area. To avoid paying premium prices during the cherry blossom season, consider staying in Osaka, located just a 30-minute train ride away. If you must stay in Kyoto itself, keep in mind that centrally located hotels charge more than those in the outer neighborhoods.
Live like a local, find unique places to stay
Millions of travel reviews on TripAdvisor

Plans in Kyoto by other users

15 days in Kyoto BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND January, culture, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife, hidden gems PREFERENCES: January, culture, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 10 days in Japan BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE January, popular PREFERENCES: January ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 14 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES October, culture, relaxing, historic sites, museums, popular PREFERENCES: October, culture, relaxing, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 17 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM October, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, wildlife, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: October, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 22 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES September, culture, romantic, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: September, culture, romantic, historic sites, museums, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 10 days in Japan & Busan BY A USER FROM PHILIPPINES January, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: January, culture, outdoors, relaxing, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 12 days in Japan BY A USER FROM CANADA March, popular PREFERENCES: March ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 57 days in Japan BY A USER FROM SRI LANKA October, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, shopping, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: October, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 10 days in Japan BY A USER FROM INDIA December, popular PREFERENCES: December ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 11 days in Japan BY A USER FROM INDIA October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, shopping, wildlife, popular PREFERENCES: October, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, shopping, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 11 days in Japan BY A USER FROM DENMARK March, culture, outdoors, romantic, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular PREFERENCES: March, culture, outdoors, romantic, historic sites, museums, wildlife ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 10 days in Kyoto & Osaka BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE October, slow & easy, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Slow & easy
View more plans