Ryogen-in Temple
龍源院
A Daitoku-ji sub-temple containing Japan's smallest rock garden (Totekiko) and several other exquisite Zen gardens within a compact space. Each garden represents a different Zen concept. The main hall is a 500-year-old National Treasure. A masterclass in miniature Zen design.
Key Architectural & Sacred Highlights
- Japan's smallest rock garden (Totekiko)
- Five distinct Zen gardens in compact space
- Main hall is 500-year-old National Treasure
- Each garden represents different Zen philosophy
- Affordable admission (350 yen)
- Always open (unlike many Daitoku-ji sub-temples)
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Bus stop Daitokuji-mae (Bus 206 or 101)
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: Bus 206 or 101 to Daitokuji-mae (30 min)
- 2 Within Daitoku-ji complex - enter main gate and follow signs
- 3 From Kinkaku-ji: Bus 12 or 20 minute walk
- 4 One of the few Daitoku-ji sub-temples always open
Live Municipal Bus Approach GTFS-RT
Nearest Stop: Daitokuji-mae (大徳寺前) • ~3 min walk
Footwear & Accessibility Radar
Shoe Removal for Japan Smallest Zen Rock Garden
Sit along polished wooden verandas in clean socks.
Flat stone avenues in Daitoku-ji compound; 2 wooden steps at entry.
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
35.044167 135.745833 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Any time - the rock gardens are beautiful year-round regardless of season. Moss between rocks is most vivid green after rain. Weekday mornings for most meditative experience with fewest visitors.
Contact & Info
82-1 Murasakino Daitokuji-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto 603-8231
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Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Ryogen-in Temple and easy to combine in a single visit.
Daitoku-ji Temple
大徳寺
Main grounds free, sub-temples 400-600 yen each · 1-2 hours (visit 2-3 sub-temples)
Imamiya Shrine
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Free · 20-30 minutes (add time for aburimochi snack)
Shoden-ji Temple
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400 yen · 20-30 minutes
Genko-an Temple
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400 yen (500 yen during autumn special viewing) · 20-30 minutes
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
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Hirano Shrine
平野神社
Free (temporary sakura garden area: 500 yen during peak bloom) · 30-45 minutes