Ryoanji Temple (龍安寺) is a Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto, it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its iconic rock garden.
Originally built as a villa for a nobleman, the site was later converted into a Zen temple. The temple’s main attraction is its rock garden, a rectangular plot of white gravel raked into patterns, containing fifteen carefully placed rocks of various sizes. The garden is surrounded by low earthen walls, and moss grows around the rocks, adding to its serene atmosphere.
The rock garden at Ryoanji is considered a masterpiece of Japanese garden design, particularly the karesansui (dry landscape) style. Its simplicity and abstract beauty have captivated visitors for centuries, inspiring countless interpretations and contemplations. The meaning and intention behind the garden’s design remain a mystery, adding to its allure.
Beyond the rock garden, Ryoanji offers other attractions for visitors to explore. The temple grounds feature a tsukubai (stone basin for ritual cleansing), located in front of the teahouse, as well as the picturesque Kyoyochi Pond, a remnant of the original villa’s garden.
Visitors can also admire the temple’s elegant buildings, including the Butsuden (Buddha Hall), which houses a statue of the seated Shakyamuni Buddha. The Hojo (abbot’s quarters) offers a unique experience where visitors can enjoy traditional shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine) while gazing upon the garden.
Ryoanji Temple provides a serene and contemplative space for visitors to appreciate the beauty of Zen aesthetics and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Japan.
Getting there
By Train
- Take the Keifuku Electric Railroad (Randen) Kitano Line to Ryoanji Station, then walk about 7 minutes
By Bus
From Kyoto Station:
- Take City Bus No. 50 for about 30 minutes, get off at Ritsumeikan University-mae bus stop, then walk about 7 minutes
- From Hankyu Omiya Station:
- Take City Bus No. 55 to Ritsumeikan University-mae bus stop, then walk about 7 minutes
Details
| Hours | March to November / 8:00 AM – 5:00PM December to February / 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Admission | Adults: 600 yen High school students: 500 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 300 yen |
| Phone | +81 75-463-2216 |
| Address | 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001 |
| Official Website | http://www.ryoanji.jp/top.html |
