Ryoan-ji Temple

龍安寺

Home to Japan's most famous Zen rock garden (karesansui) - 15 carefully arranged rocks on raked white gravel, created late 15th century. Garden designed so only 14 rocks visible from any viewing angle. UNESCO World Heritage site. Embodies Zen principles: simplicity, asymmetry, austere elegance.

Visit: 45 minutes to 1 hour (include time for rock garden contemplation and pond walk)

Entrance: 500 yen adults, 300 yen elementary/junior high students

Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Mar 1-Nov 30), 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Dec 1-Feb 28)

Highlights & Must-See Features

Most famous Zen rock garden in world (15 rocks, only 14 visible from any angle)
Kyoyochi Pond with walking path and seasonal reflections
Tsukubai stone water basin with Zen inscription "I learn only to be contented"
Spectacular autumn foliage (November) around pond
Traditional temple architecture
UNESCO World Heritage site
Peaceful meditation atmosphere

📍 How to Get There

Nearest Station

Ryoanji-mae Bus Stop or Ritsumeikan Daigaku-mae Station (Keifuku Line)

Step-by-Step Directions

1 From Kyoto Station: Bus 50 to Ritsumeikan Daigaku-mae (40 minutes)
2 From Kinkaku-ji: Bus 59 to Ryoanji-mae (10 minutes) or scenic 20 min walk
3 From Keifuku Ritsumeikan Daigaku-mae: 7 minute walk
4 Perfect Kinkaku-ji + Ryoan-ji + Ninna-ji combined visit (same area)

Location & Maps

🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Latitude: 35.034467

Longitude: 135.718267

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Best Time to Visit

Right at opening (8 AM) for contemplative experience with few people. Avoid 10 AM-3 PM crowds. Autumn (November) for spectacular foliage around Kyoyochi Pond (walk beyond rock garden).