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Ryoanji Temple

★ 4.9 (20K+ reviews) • 526K+ booked
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Ryoanji Temple Reviews

4.9 /5
20K+ reviews
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Klook User
10 Mar
it was a really eye opening experience for me to watch a performance like this and also have an opportunity during Q&A to understand more about the Maiko we met. Rin the guide was also super helpful and nice :)
黃 **
10 Mar
Our tour leader, Tina, was very professional and provided detailed and clear explanations. All relevant information was shared promptly in the group chat, and she clearly communicated meeting times and locations, ensuring everyone was well-informed about the itinerary. The entire trip was smoothly organized, the atmosphere was pleasant, and it was a truly wonderful travel experience. 😊
2+
Klook User
10 Mar
what a great tour we had so much fun riding through the streets of Kyoto , our guide Benjamin was fantastic and took the time explaining things to us and for us to take photos . Stopped for lunch at a lovely restaurant. The places we stopped at were fantastic and everything that we wanted to see. Great day out
1+
Ball ******
9 Mar
Our guide, Eric, was very knowledgeable, friendly and responsive. I took my husband and 2 kids and we all loved it! The seats on the train were a little small so beware if you are a larger person.
Fong *********
9 Mar
Our guide Huahua was great and explained everything well. He was helpful and humour too. The tour was great too but the time spent in places was a bit short. Very convenient tour if you wish to travel Osaka after Kyoto
Klook User
8 Mar
It was a wonderful experience. Loved uji river and macha street. Thanks to Cicy our tour guide for making this trip memorable.
Klook 用戶
8 Mar
This is my fourth time visiting Arashiyama, and my first time experiencing it in the rain. The Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove, and Nonomiya Shrine all have a unique charm when it's raining. It was my first visit to Tenryu-ji Temple, and there were photo opportunities everywhere. Kurumazaki Shrine and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine are also distinctive and well worth a visit.
2+
WANG ********
7 Mar
The Eizan Electric Railway one-day pass is very convenient. You can visit Kibune and then Kurama all in one trip, and it's great because you can freely hop on and off at any stops in between to explore attractions. After hiking, soaking in a hot spring is truly relaxing.

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What to know about Ryoanji Temple

Ryoanji Temple is a Zen temple in Kyoto, Japan. It's famous for its beautiful rock garden with fifteen stones carefully placed on white gravel. This garden makes you think deeply and shows the amazing influence of Zen Buddhism on Japanese garden art. When you visit Ryoanji Temple, take the time to appreciate this rock garden from the wooden porch of the abbot's quarters for the best view. But there's more to see at Ryoanji Temple than just the rock garden. The temple grounds are home to the beautiful Kyoyochi Pond and a well-kept back garden. These areas are perfect for a peaceful walk. You'll also find a famous stone water basin, showcasing traditional Japanese design. When you're in Kyoto, don't miss the chance to visit Ryoanji Temple. Its timeless beauty and historical importance make it a must-see on your visit to Japan!
13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001, Japan

What to know before visiting Ryoanji Temple

Things to do in Ryoanji Temple

Explore the Rock Garden

The rock garden at Ryoanji Temple is one of Japan's most famous zen gardens. It has fifteen rocks set in white gravel that is carefully raked. The garden is simple and meant to make you think deeply. It's a peaceful place to sit and wonder about its beauty and meaning.

Visit the Kyoyochi Pond

Walk around the beautiful Kyoyochi Pond, which is surrounded by green plants and colorful flowers. This calm pond makes the temple even more peaceful. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing walk and to enjoy the natural beauty and Japanese garden designs.

See the Famous Stone Water Basin

Inside the temple grounds, there's a stone water basin with a Zen saying that means "I learn only to be content." This special feature is a great example of Japanese art. The simple but deep message makes your visit even more meaningful.

Learn About the Temple's History

Ryoanji Temple used to be a noble's house before it became a zen temple in the Muromachi period. Find out about the temple's long history and its role in Zen Buddhism. Looking at the sliding doors and abbot's quarters shows you how monks lived here long ago.

Must-See Attractions Near Ryoanji Temple

Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

Just a short walk from Ryoanji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple is famous for its amazing golden exterior. The temple looks beautiful reflecting in the pond, making it perfect for photos. This place is a must-see because of its history and architecture.

Ninna-ji Temple

Close by, Ninna-ji Temple has lovely Japanese gardens and big temple grounds to explore. It's especially famous for its cherry blossoms, so it's a great place to visit in the spring. The temple also has many historical artifacts and buildings from the Heian period.

Myoshin-ji Temple Complex

The Myoshin-ji Temple Complex is a large group of Zen Buddhism temples. Near Ryoanji Temple, it offers a peaceful getaway with its calm gardens and traditional temple buildings. It's a fantastic spot to learn more about Kyoto's rich Zen heritage.

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