Ryoanji Temple

Religious spot
★ 4.9 (21K+ reviews) • 398K+ booked
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

The best of Ryoanji Temple

Bucket-list experiences

Walking Tour of Western Kyoto : Arashiyama, Kinkakuji and Koboshi
AUD 221.19
Kyoto City, Western Kyoto & Arashiyama Tour with Matcha Experience
AUD 471.69
NAKED Autumn Festival 2024 World Heritage Nijo-jo Castle Admission in Kyoto

NAKED Autumn Festival 2024 World Heritage Nijo-jo Castle Admission in Kyoto

Bestseller
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.4 (430)
From AUD 19.89
TOEI Kyoto Studio Park Ticket

TOEI Kyoto Studio Park Ticket

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (367)
From AUD 23.85
Kyoto Railway Museum Ticket

Kyoto Railway Museum Ticket

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (653)
From AUD 14.85
25 off
Sale
Tea Ceremony Class Experience in Kyoto

Tea Ceremony Class Experience in Kyoto

Bestseller
Easy refund
★ 4.4 (311)
From AUD 11.89
Fu Fu No Yu Onsen Admission Ticket in Kyoto

Fu Fu No Yu Onsen Admission Ticket in Kyoto

Bestseller
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.8 (500)
From AUD 8.95
AUD 10.95
Kyoto Aquarium Admission Ticket

Kyoto Aquarium Admission Ticket

Bestseller
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.7 (372)
AUD 23.85
Kinkakuji & Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Shrine Tour丨Osaka/Kyoto

Kinkakuji & Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari Shrine Tour丨Osaka/Kyoto

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (451)
From AUD 71.59
10 off
Sale
One Day Kimono Rental

One Day Kimono Rental

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (4,606)
From AUD 42.79
Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO Admission Ticket

Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO Admission Ticket

Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.4 (26)
AUD 19.89

Make it a getaway

The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo

The Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (239)
From AUD 86.21
AUD 133.93
La'gent Hotel Kyoto Nijo

La'gent Hotel Kyoto Nijo

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (70)
From AUD 67.2
Hotel Sagano - Adults Only

Hotel Sagano - Adults Only

Instant confirmation
★ 3.7 (62)
From AUD 84.36
HOTEL LiVEMAX Kyoto Nijojo Nishi

HOTEL LiVEMAX Kyoto Nijojo Nishi

Instant confirmation
★ 3.8 (70)
From AUD 50.1
AUD 78.87
MIRO KYOTO NIJO HOTEL

MIRO KYOTO NIJO HOTEL

Instant confirmation
★ 4.3 (173)
From AUD 41.41
AUD 53.8
Hotel Excellence Enmachi Ekimae

Hotel Excellence Enmachi Ekimae

Instant confirmation
From AUD 52.12
Rinn Shiki Juraku

Rinn Shiki Juraku

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (20)
From AUD 296.58
Kyoto Guest house The Last Samurai

Kyoto Guest house The Last Samurai

Instant confirmation
From AUD 44.78
Rhino Hotel Kyoto

Rhino Hotel Kyoto

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (207)
From AUD 86.99
Stay SAKURA Kyoto Nijo Seasons

Stay SAKURA Kyoto Nijo Seasons

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (82)
From AUD 67.09
Floral Green Maple House

Floral Green Maple House

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (15)
From AUD 81.94
Hotel Binario Saga Arashiyama

Hotel Binario Saga Arashiyama

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (32)
From AUD 149.08

Trouble-free transport

Sagano Romantic Train Ticket

Sagano Romantic Train Ticket

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (2,975)
AUD 8.75
Randen Pass

Randen Pass

Bestseller
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.5 (757)
From AUD 6.95
Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass

Eizan Railway Ee Kippu 1-Day Pass

Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
★ 4.7 (67)
AUD 11.95
Kyoto - Tokyo Night Bus by VIP Liner
From AUD 79.55
Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

Kyoto to Tokyo - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket

Instant confirmation
Book now for today
AUD 134.19
Kyoto to Shinagawa - Japan Rail Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Ticket
AUD 134.19

All that's good & tasty

Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto

Nanzenji Junsei Traditional Tofu Kaiseki Cuisine - Kyoto

Bestseller
Easy refund
★ 4.6 (217)
From AUD 52.65
Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist

Guenpin in Gion- Puffer Fish Specialist

Bestseller
Easy refund
★ 4.5 (422)
From AUD 53.79
Gion Kawakami (祇園川上) in Kyoto Gion
From AUD 76.55
Kyo Kurozakura in Kyoto Gion

Kyo Kurozakura in Kyoto Gion

Easy refund
★ 4.2 (62)
From AUD 72.00
Sopporo Kaniya - Crab Specialty in Kyoto

Sopporo Kaniya - Crab Specialty in Kyoto

Easy refund
★ 4.0 (50)
From AUD 78.35
Mokube in Gion - Michelin Starred Kaiseki
From AUD 304.19

More to explore

Kyoto Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing bus by Skyhop Bus (1day / 2days ticket)

Kyoto Hop-On Hop-off sightseeing bus by Skyhop Bus (1day / 2days ticket)

Bestseller
Easy refund
Instant confirmation
★ 4.1 (337)
From AUD 39.59
AUD 39.79
Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto

Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Kyoto

Instant confirmation
Book now for today
★ 4.8 (88)
Free

Why people love Ryoanji Temple

4.9 /5
21K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Raphael **************
2 days ago
Location: Perfect location near arashiyama station and it is also near to the popular attraction in arashiyama. Staff: they are very friendly, the master sensei is very nice and tourist friendly and really know how to choose the best kimono for their customer. The quality of the kimonos we've used are authentic and on a high grade. you can choose differnt kinds of kimono with sizes from small to extra large, colors and design.
2+
Yau *********
2 days ago
this is fabulous experience to visit japanese castle in the night time. the light show is good and worth to visit it
Fellendorf ******
2 days ago
We had a great evening, I'm very happy that I bought the tickets here through Klook. Everything went smoothly and the event is definitely worth seeing. Everything was beautifully lit and illuminated.
Klook User
2 days ago
The sceneries during fall colors are amazing!! It was a good trip for our family. The tickets for the ramantic train sold out fast, so it is good to book early to secure a seat.
Klook User
2 days ago
it was a great trip, we had so much fun. our tour guides, laura and lucy are approachable and informative
1+
. *****
2 days ago
It is really convenient to buy online. If you are not satisfied with your order, you can change your seat for free. I really recommend taking the train from Kameoka Station back to Saga Arashiyama Station. The scenery is very beautiful, so remember not to get off at the wrong station.
2+
. *****
2 days ago
There are so many people in Nijo Castle during the day. If you are tired of queuing, you might as well check out Nijo Castle at night. You don’t have to queue and just swipe your electronic ticket to enter. The projection sculptures inside are beautiful, there are not many people and there are some small vendors, making it very comfortable to stroll around.
2+
. *****
2 days ago
A very convenient electronic ticket. It happened to be the monster season. Although you can only see the Hyakuki Night Parade on holidays, I was lucky enough to see monsters when I went on weekdays. Thank you Klook.
2+

Nearby places to go

351K+ visitors
360K+ visitors
494K+ visitors
399K+ visitors
363K+ visitors
337K+ visitors
821K+ visitors
645K+ visitors
269K+ visitors

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.