Japan’s most famous “Zen” garden consists of 15 carefully placed rocks that float mesmerizingly on sea of gravel – an example of carefully calculated randomness.
Ryoan-ji Temple
Even after centuries in existence no one has cracked the riddle of these seemingly random rock clusters that seem to float on the sea of gravel at the famous karesansui (dry gravel garden) Ryoan-ji Te. Like nearby Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji is best visited as soon as it opens or just before it closes.
English address:
13 Goryonoshitamachi, Ryoan-ji, Ukyo-ku
Japanese address:
右京区龍安寺御陵ノ下町13
Opening hours:
8am-5pm March-November
8.30am-4:30pm December-February
Admission:
Aults: \500
Junior high and elementary school students: \300
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
In front of Ryoan-ji-mae Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 59 from Sanjo Keihan
Telephone: 463-2216
Website:
Official Website (English)
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
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- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
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Near To Here:
Ryoan-ji Temple is located in Northwest Kyoto. See our complete list of things to do in Northwest Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help