Ryoan-ji Temple
A 15th-century temple whose scenic grounds hold a famous rock garden embodying Zen thought and a yudofu restaurant.
Basic information｜Ryoan-ji Temple
A 15th-century temple whose scenic grounds hold a famous rock garden embodying Zen thought and a yudofu restaurant.
Details
- Opening hours
- Mon08:00–17:00Tue08:00–17:00Wed08:00–17:00Thu08:00–17:00Fri08:00–17:00Sat08:00–17:00Sun08:00–17:00
- Business status
- Open
- Official website
- Link
- Phone
- +81 75-463-2216
Traveler highlights
Founded in 1450, Ryōan-ji is known for its rock garden and is part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. The temple’s karesansui garden, composed of stones and white gravel, is its best-known feature. Visitors can observe the visual order created by its spare arrangement. The principal image is Shakyamuni Buddha; the temple was founded by Hosokawa Katsumoto, and its first abbot was Giten Genshō. When Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1975, she viewed the garden and praised it, bringing it further international attention. Visitors can pause in front of the garden and examine the placement of rocks and gravel from different angles. With little ornament, the experience centers on the relationship among stone, sand, and open space. A yudofu restaurant within the grounds also connects the temple visit with Kyoto’s food culture.
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