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Ryoanji Temple 龍安寺

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 1 post since 2010

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Visiting Ryoanji Temple today

  • What it is: A Rinzai Zen temple founded in 1450, known for its dry rock garden of 15 stones set in raked white gravel. From any one viewpoint at least one rock is hidden. It is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site.
  • Getting there: JR bus from Kyoto Station takes about 30 minutes (¥230). Alternatively, take the Keifuku Kitano Line to Ryoanji-michi Station and walk 5-10 minutes. Kinkakuji is a 20-minute walk east.
  • Hours: 8:00-17:00 from March to November, and 8:30-16:30 from December to February. Open every day.
  • Admission: ¥600.
  • Best time: Come early in the morning, when crowds are usually smaller. The Kyoyochi pond garden is particularly striking in autumn.
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Autumn colour around the Kyoyochi pond garden

Checked against: Ryoanji Temple (japan-guide.com) · Ryoanji (Kyoto City official travel guide) · Ryoan-ji (Wikipedia). Check opening times and prices before you go.

Ryoanji Temple on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

Photos

Ryoanji Temple

There are 2 sets of gardens at Ryoanji Temple, the dry rock garden and the wet gardens. There are fifteen rocks in the dry garden raked with white gravel. There are many stories about the meaning behind these rocks and how they are laid out. It is a good place to come and mediate on life and other subjects