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

Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto

3.8

#11 of 525 in Historic Sites in Kyoto

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. Plan to see Ryoanji Temple and other attractions that appeal to you using our Kyoto trip planner .

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Ryoanji Temple Tours

Kyoto Morning Tour: Kyoto Imperial Palace, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $64

188 reviews

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

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Private Custom Tour: Kyoto in One Day BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $130

20 reviews

Duration: Full-day: 8 hrs (approx.)
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Half-day: 4 hrs (approx.)

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Private Scholar-led Kyoto Walking Tour: Japanese Gardens and Landscape BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $430

5 reviews

Duration: 3 hours

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Ryoanji Temple Reviews

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2,218 reviews

By PHILIPPE92 On March 20, 2018

La découverte des jardins secs a été un vrai plus lors de notre voyage au Japon et celui-ci, sans doute le plus célèbre, permet de percevoir la dimension spirituelle de ces jardins. C'est important de... more »

The discovery of the dry gardens has been a real more on our trip to the Japan and this one, probably the most famous, allows to perceive the spiritual dimension of these gardens. It is important to be able to admire them, not necessarily a long but intensely. It is therefore better to come early in the morning or to avoid groups visiting hours to be able to take full advantage of the "zen" aspect of these gardens that are never very large, and whose beauty lies in their simplicity. All of the Ryoanji Temple grounds are a wonderful discovery, especially the adjacent wet garden of mosses, but dry gardens have a soul in more very confusing for our Western minds. Other beautiful be discovered over visits to Kyoto, in particular the Ryogen-ji temple of the monastery Daitoku-ji located north of Kyoto not far from the Golden Pavilion.

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By 486edwinl On March 20, 2018

龍安寺是世界遺產，寺內種滿不同種類的梅花，進寺參觀不用門票，但要買票進入石庭園觀賞，園內有一長方型庭園，包含了15塊白色石頭，不論在哪裡看，都有白色石頭被穩藏，非常神奇，如你不相信的話，不況過來挑戰一下自己啊！ more »

The temple is a World heritage, the temple is full of different kinds of plum, into the temple without the ticket, but to buy tickets into the Shi Ting Park, there is a long square garden, including 15 pieces of white stone, regardless of where to look, there are white stone is stable, very magical, such as you do not believe, in the past to challenge themselves Ah!

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By Crisamanda On March 18, 2018

Es un jardín Zen, con 15 piedras (no logras verlas todas desde el corredor donde puedes sentarte a mirar el jardín) distribuidas en un rectángulo de arena gruesa. Según los entendidos, la disposición ... more »

It is a Zen Garden, with 15 stones (can not see them all from the corridor where you can sit and look at the garden) distributed in a rectangle of coarse sand. According to experts, the provision which have helps meditation and philosophize. I do not recommend to pay or spend time on this activity having other gardens and temples to meet in Kyoto. For connoisseurs in Zen philosophy, it must surely be an unforgettable experience

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