Ryoanji Temple
Religious spot
Ryoanji Temple is a Zen temple in Kyoto, Japan. It's famous for its beautiful rock garden with fifteen stones carefully placed on white gravel. This garden makes you think deeply and shows the amazing influence of Zen Buddhism on Japanese garden art. When you visit Ryoanji Temple, take the time to appreciate this rock garden from the wooden porch of the abbot's quarters for the best view. But there's more to see at Ryoanji Temple than just the rock garden. The temple grounds are home to the beautiful Kyoyochi Pond and a well-kept back garden. These areas are perfect for a peaceful walk. You'll also find a famous stone water basin, showcasing traditional Japanese design. When you're in Kyoto, don't miss the chance to visit Ryoanji Temple. Its timeless beauty and historical importance make it a must-see on your visit to Japan!
See more
See more
13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001, Japan
Gallery
The best of Ryoanji Temple
Bucket-list experiences
See all
Walking Tour of Western Kyoto : Arashiyama, Kinkakuji and Koboshi
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
US$ 169.89
Kyoto City, Western Kyoto & Arashiyama Tour with Matcha Experience
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
US$ 362.29
![[Kyoto & Nara Day Tour] Arashiyama Train & Nara Park & Fushimi Inari Shrine Thousand Torii Gates & Togetsukyo Bridge & Bamboo Forest Path & Kimono Forest (Depart from Osaka)](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,w_432,h_288,c_fill,q_85/activities/rfalnmvkfqjhipfppax2.jpg)
[Kyoto & Nara Day Tour] Arashiyama Train & Nara Park & Fushimi Inari Shrine Thousand Torii Gates & Togetsukyo Bridge & Bamboo Forest Path & Kimono Forest (Depart from Osaka)
Bestseller
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 70.79
Kyoto Railway Museum Ticket
Bestseller
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 9.65
Fu Fu No Yu Onsen Admission Ticket in Kyoto
Bestseller
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
From
US$ 5.75
US$ 6.99
Kyoto Aquarium Admission Ticket
Bestseller
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
US$ 15.29
TOEI Kyoto Studio Park Ticket
Bestseller
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 15.29
Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO Admission Ticket
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
US$ 12.75
Tea Ceremony Class Experience in Kyoto
Bestseller
Morning departure
Up to 3 hrs
From
US$ 8.95
One Day Kimono Rental
Bestseller
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 32.25
Golden Pavilion Temple,Kiyomizu Temple,Fushimi Inari Taisha Day Tour
Bestseller
English available
Free cancellation
From
US$ 56.65
Kyoto Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour
Up to 3 hrs
English available
Private group
From
US$ 77.15
Make it a getaway
See all
Hotel Excellence Enmachi Ekimae
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 33.22
Hotel Sagano - Adults Only
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 54.78
HOTEL LiVEMAX Kyoto Nijojo Nishi
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 29.8
La'gent Hotel Kyoto Nijo
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 48.18
Rinn Shiki Juraku
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 200.72
Hotel Binario Saga Arashiyama
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 102.74
MIRO KYOTO NIJO HOTEL
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 24.93
Rhino Hotel Kyoto
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 50.74
Petit Hotel Kyoto
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 36.8
The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 51.37
Ryokan Yamazaki
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 81.73
Kefu Stay & Lounge
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 36.98
Trouble-free transport
Sagano Romantic Train Ticket
Bestseller
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
US$ 5.59
Randen Pass
Bestseller
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
From
US$ 4.45
Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
US$ 6.50
From
US$ 76.35
Kyoto Private Car Rental with Driver
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 279.19
Kyoto car rentals | Rent a car for Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu Temple, Golden Temple Kyoto, Osaka International Airport
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 42
/day
US$ 59.15
Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
US$ 85.89
Kyoto to Shinagawa - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
US$ 85.89
All that's good & tasty
See all
Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto
Bestseller
Free cancellation
From
US$ 33.69
Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist
Free cancellation
From
US$ 34.45
Gion Kawakami (祇園川上) in Kyoto Gion
Free cancellation
From
US$ 48.99
Kyo Kurozakura in Kyoto Gion
Free cancellation
From
US$ 46.09
SHIGETSU (天龍寺 篩月) in Kyoto Arashiyama - Michelin recommend Shojin Vegetarian Cuisine
Free cancellation
From
US$ 35.19
Sopporo Kaniya - Crab Specialty in Kyoto
Free cancellation
From
US$ 50.15
Kichisen in Kyoto Gion - Michelin Three Starred Kaiseki Restaurant
Free cancellation
From
US$ 145.09
Kameya Honke (かめや本家) in Omiya - Traditional Tofu & Yuba Kaiseki
Free cancellation
From
US$ 36.59
Mokube in Gion - Michelin Starred Kaiseki
Free cancellation
From
US$ 194.69
Tempura Endo Yasaka (天ぷら八坂圓堂) Tempura in Gion Kyoto
Free cancellation
From
US$ 71.89
From
US$ 29.95
Gion Nanba (祇園なん波) in Kyoto Gion - Michelin one Starred Kaiseki
Free cancellation
From
US$ 160.99
More to explore
Kyoto Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing bus by Skyhop Bus (1day / 2days ticket)
Bestseller
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From
US$ 25.45
Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
Free Voucher
Old Kyoto Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Food Tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
From
US$ 118.35
Nishiki Market Half Day Morning Walking Food Tour in Kyoto
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
US$ 53.45
Nishiki Market & Teramachi Street
Private group
US$ 198.50
Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
US$ 164.15
Kyoto at Night: Food and Culture Tour (3 Hours)
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
US$ 147.55
Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
US$ 191.49
Sake and Whisky Tasting in Kyoto (3 Hours)
Free cancellation
US$ 319.15
Pontocho Food Tour, Kyoto (3 Hours)
Free cancellation
US$ 220.35
From
US$ 22.35
Why people love Ryoanji Temple
Klook客路用户
2 days ago
This one-day tour experience was great! The tour guides Lucy and Nate were very enthusiastic. They explained the attractions in detail and were humorous. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery in joy. The group tour arrangement was very convenient. We could visit multiple attractions in one day and check in efficiently. The tour guide was also very considerate. The recommended eel rice and wagyu restaurants were great. The food and the scenery were great. Highly recommended to tourists who are visiting for the first time and want to check in at multiple attractions. It is very rewarding. I look forward to the next group tourヾﾉ≧∀≦)o
2+
Klook 用戶
2 days ago
Ember and Scarlett are very serious and considerate. They created a line/whatsapp group the day before the trip to facilitate everyone's contact. They will also post many recommended attractions or shops in the itinerary, and even give out warm packs and cookies. This is the best experience I have ever participated in. Great day trip!
2+
Myla ******
2 days ago
Steven is a great tour guide. He really knows what he is doing and made the tours lively and fun. The locations are great.
diery *********
2 days ago
Thank you Christine and Laura for the trip. It was very organized and very clear. We enjoy it.
2+
John ************
2 days ago
very good place to visit during this time as the color of the leaves are still red and yellow, deers are nice too.
2+
Stuart ***
2 days ago
Kudos to Theodore Chan for guiding us. He got everything sorted so that we don't have to. Nice introductions to some local history of each stop. Recommended.
2+
Eileen ***
2 days ago
We had the pleasure of experiencing a tour guided by Steven, and we wanted to express our heartfelt gratitude for his outstanding service.
Steven's sense of humor and friendly demeanor made our tour truly memorable. His timely updates and efficient service ensured that everything ran smoothly, allowing us to fully enjoy our experience. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had him as our guide.
Thank you, Steven, for making our tour so enjoyable and for your excellent service.
2+
cynthia ******
2 days ago
My son is an anime fan and he was super happy and delighted with the entire exhibition. Due to time constraints, we did not have the opportunity to use the costumes, but I think it is a great experience to walk around the studio village.
Nearby places to go
FAQs about Ryoanji Temple
What is Ryoanji Temple famous for?
What to see in Ryoanji Temple?
How to get to Ryoanji Temple?
When’s the best time to visit Ryoanji Temple
How long does it take to see Ryoanji temple?
Where to eat at Ryoanji Temple?
What to know before visiting Ryoanji Temple
What to know before visiting Ryoanji Temple
Things to do in Ryoanji Temple
Explore the Rock Garden
The rock garden at Ryoanji Temple is one of Japan's most famous zen gardens. It has fifteen rocks set in white gravel that is carefully raked. The garden is simple and meant to make you think deeply. It's a peaceful place to sit and wonder about its beauty and meaning.
Visit the Kyoyochi Pond
Walk around the beautiful Kyoyochi Pond, which is surrounded by green plants and colorful flowers. This calm pond makes the temple even more peaceful. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing walk and to enjoy the natural beauty and Japanese garden designs.
See the Famous Stone Water Basin
Inside the temple grounds, there's a stone water basin with a Zen saying that means "I learn only to be content." This special feature is a great example of Japanese art. The simple but deep message makes your visit even more meaningful.
Learn About the Temple's History
Ryoanji Temple used to be a noble's house before it became a zen temple in the Muromachi period. Find out about the temple's long history and its role in Zen Buddhism. Looking at the sliding doors and abbot's quarters shows you how monks lived here long ago.
Must-See Attractions Near Ryoanji Temple
Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)
Just a short walk from Ryoanji Temple, Kinkaku-ji is famous for its amazing golden exterior. The temple looks beautiful reflecting in the pond, making it perfect for photos. This place is a must-see because of its history and architecture.
Ninna-ji Temple
Close by, Ninna-ji Temple has lovely Japanese gardens and big temple grounds to explore. It's especially famous for its cherry blossoms, so it's a great place to visit in the spring. The temple also has many historical artifacts and buildings from the Heian period.
Myoshin-ji Temple Complex
The Myoshin-ji Temple Complex is a large group of Zen Buddhism temples. Near Ryoanji Temple, it offers a peaceful getaway with its calm gardens and traditional temple buildings. It's a fantastic spot to learn more about Kyoto's rich Zen heritage.