basic information

Ryoanji is a Zen temple in northwestern Kyoto.

The temple's main attraction is its rock garden, the most famous of its kind in Japan. The simple Zen garden consist of nothing but rocks, moss and neatly raked gravel. The meaning of the garden's arrangement is unknown and up to each visitor's interpretation.

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how to get there

Ryoanji is a 5 minute bus ride or 15 minute walk west of Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion.

Ryoanji can also be reached by the Keifuku Kitano Line, a small train that runs through the calm residential areas of northwestern Kyoto and offers a connection to Arashiyama. To access Ryoanji, get off at Ryoanji-michi Station from where it is a 5 minute walk to the temple.

How to get to and around Kyoto

hours and fees

Hours:	8:00 to 17:00 (8:30 to 16:30 from December through February)
Closed:	No closing dates
Admission:	500 yen

news and reports

	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 15, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 12, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 7, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 4, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report April 1, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 30, 2009
	Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report March 25, 2009

travel community

Users who have been to Kyoto: 1602
Users who have been to Ryoanji Temple: 412

9th of 45 most visited sights in Kyoto.
38th of 509 most visited sights nationwide.

Rating by users:		recommended (86/100, 245 votes)
Rating by staff:		recommended
Overall Rating:		outstanding

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hotels & ryokan

Ryokan Hirashin 3min walk to Shijo Karasuma Sta. Spacious Japanese-style rooms. 140 years of history. Public baths renovated in 2006. Hotel Sugicho A ryokan in the center of Kyoto town. From 4000yen. 4 train stations are within walking distance. Try the Kyoto Kaiseki. Guest Inn Chita A small traditional inn run by a very kind staff. From 3500yen per guest. 10 min from Kyoto Station. Renewed in 2006. Gion Hatanaka A real Japanese inn in a quiet area of Gion, famous for Geisha. 15min walk to Kiyomizu-dera. 5min to Yasaka-jinja. Backpackers Hostel K's House Kyoto Voted No.1 hostel in Asia by Hostelworld customers. 9 mins walk from JR Kyoto station Bed from 2,500 yen.

tours and packages

River Terrace Dining with Kyoto Maiko Gourmet Kyoto cuisine and a rare chance to see maiko perform. Kyoto Tours Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.

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