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Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto

3.8
#12 of 720 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. Plan to see Ryoanji Temple and other attractions that appeal to you using our Kyoto trip planner.
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Tours To Ryoanji Temple

Kyoto Private Custom Walking & Sightseeing Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $157
5.0
9 reviews
Duration: 2 to 8 hours
Buy tours from $157
Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $218
4.7
10 reviews
Duration: 7 hours
Buy tours from $218
Private Custom Tour: Kyoto in One Day BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $216
4.4
10 reviews
Duration: 4 to 8 hours
Buy tours from $216

Ryoanji Temple Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 4.0
2,592 reviews
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  • By Cholo_Juan
    The kare-sansui (dry landscape) garden at Ryoanji Temple has delighted visitors for centuries , the meaning embodied in the garden has been lost in time, it has also undergone a couple of make overs.....  more »
  • By chrisfowleredin
    After walking through the temples extensive gardens, which you should enjoy, you'll eventually arrive at the historic zen rock garden. Enjoy the peace and tranquility it brings. Plus a few great...  more »
  • By suder_p
    After coming into the temple, there is on the left a zen garden made from 15 stones and white gravel. From the first impression looks ordinarily, but if You sit and look at it for some time, your...  more »
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Plans to Ryoanji Temple by other users

11 days in Japan BY A USER FROM FRANCE September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife, slow & easy, popular & hidden gems Preferences: September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, wildlife Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems Pace: Slow & easy 14 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES March, culture, historic sites, shopping, wildlife, popular sights Preferences: March, culture, historic sites, shopping, wildlife Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 14 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES March, culture, outdoors, shopping, wildlife, popular & hidden gems Preferences: March, culture, outdoors, shopping, wildlife Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems Pace: Medium 19 days in Japan & South Korea BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES May, culture, outdoors, historic sites, popular & hidden gems Preferences: May, culture, outdoors, historic sites Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems Pace: Medium 30 days in Japan & Maldives BY A USER FROM PORTUGAL August, popular sights Preferences: August Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 8 days in Tokyo & Kyoto BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM April, kids, popular sights Preferences: April, kids Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 29 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM March, popular sights Preferences: March Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 13 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED ARAB EMIRATES March, popular sights Preferences: March Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 8 days in Japan BY A USER FROM INDIA October, popular sights Preferences: October Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Medium 32 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES April, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping, wildlife, popular & hidden gems Preferences: April, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping, wildlife Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems Pace: Medium 5 days in Kyoto BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES July, slow & easy, popular sights Preferences: July Attraction style: Popular sights Pace: Slow & easy 11 days in Japan BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES March, teens, kids, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife, popular & hidden gems Preferences: March, teens, kids, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, shopping, wildlife Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems Pace: Medium
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