The Ryoanji Temple, or simple Ryoanji, dates back to the Heian Period when it was originally used as a villa by a Japanese aristocrat. In 1450, the compound was converted into a temple under the jurisdiction of the Rinzai Sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism, particularly under the Myoshinji School.
Things to Expect at Ryoanji Temple – Zen Rock Garden, Hojo, Kuri, Restaurant, Etc.
Rock Garden
One of the many reasons why the temple welcomes hundreds of visitors on a daily basis is its stunning rock garden (karesansui) which is said to be the most popular one in Japan. Although the history and meaning of the garden’s design remain unknown up to this day, its lack of confines in terms of importance and style makes it all the more interesting.
The rock garden features a rectangular shape made of white pebbles and is framed on all sides by low earthen walls. Fifteen rocks that stand atop patches of moss are creatively scattered across the garden in such a way that at least one of them is kept hidden from any vantage point.
Given the unclear meaning behind the garden’s arrangement, visitors are free to interpret it according to their own understanding. Some relate it to a tiger guiding its cubs across different islands, while others believe it to be a representation of various concepts such as infinity and parallel worlds.
Hojo
The Hojo of the Ryoanji Temple served as the former residence of the head priest. At present, it houses several art paintings and a few smaller gardens at the back. It is also the site where visitors can get an excellent view of the temple’s rock garden.
Kuri
The Kuri was used as a kitchen during the earlier years of the Ryoanji Temple. It is connected to the Hojo and is currently used as the main entrance to the temple grounds.
Restaurant
The Ryoanji Temple also houses a charming restaurant where tourists can enjoy a snack or a filling meal. It is a great place to try Yudofu, a tofu dish that is considered to be a specialty of Kyoto, Japan while enjoying a nice view of another traditional Japanese garden.
Map & Access to Ryoanji Temple
Tourists can access the Ryoanji Temple from the Kyoto Station by taking a JR bus. It usually takes about thirty minutes of travel time for the bus to reach the compound and costs about 230 yen per person, which may be paid using the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass, JR Kansai Area Pass, and Japan Rail Pass, among other JR West rail passes.
Alternatively, a train ride to the Ryoanji-michi Station can also be taken from the Keifuku Kitano Line. From the station, the Ryoanji Temple can be reached in 5-10 minutes by foot.
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily (From March to November); 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, daily (From December to February)
Admission Fee: 500 yen per person
Address: 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 616-8001
A Guide to Exploring Other Places Near Ryoanji Temple
Kinkakuji
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The Kinkakuji, better known as the Golden Pavilion, is a two-story Zen temple that is entirely covered in gold leaf. It initially served as the retirement villa of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu during Japan’s feudal era before it was converted into a temple in 1408.
Although visitors are not allowed to enter the pavilion, the statues it houses can be seen from across the large pond that surrounds the majority of the Kinkakuji.
During summer, spring, and fall, the stunning work of architecture reflects quite beautifully on the surface of the water. Come winter, the place gets blanketed by a lovely layer of white snow, making the Golden Pavilion stand out even more.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: 400 yen per person
Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kitaku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 603-8361
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
The Shugakuin Imperial Villa, or Shugakuin Rikyu, dates back to the 17th century when it was commissioned by Emperor Gomizuno.
At present, it is under the management of the Imperial Household Agency and may only be accessed through guided tours. These tours last for about an hour and a half and go through all three sections (Lower, Middle, and Upper Villas) of the vicinity.
Foreign travelers do not need to worry about the language barrier as the tour guide for each visit typically knows how to speak and understand a bit of English.
Website (For booking a visit): http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html
Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, daily
Address: 1-3 Shugakuinyabusoe, Sakyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 602-8611
Ninnaji Temple
The Ninnaji Temple is among the many World Heritage Sites that can be found in Kyoto, Japan. It was built in 888 and now serves as the head temple of the Shingon Sect of Japanese Buddhism, particularly of the Omuro School.
Some popular points of interest within the temple complex include the Goten (the head priest’s former residence), lovely Omuro Cherry Trees that bloom around April, and elegant fusuma (painted sliding doors).
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: No admission fee to enter the temple grounds; 500 yen per person (For the Goten); 600 yen per person (During April)
Address: 33 Omuro Ouchi, Ukyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 616-8092
Kibune
The small town of Kibune can be found in the northern mountains of Kyoto, particularly within a forested valley. It is believed that the town came to be after a goddess traveled from Osaka to Kyoto using a boat. At the site where her journey ended, the Kifune Shrine, a popular attraction of Kibune, was built as tribute.
Hours (Kifune Shrine): 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM, daily (From May to November); 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM, daily (From December to April)
Admission Fee: No admission fee
Address: Kuramakibunecho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 601-1112
Kurama
The rural town of Kurama can be reached in under an hour from the central city of Kyoto. Some of the things that attract tourists and locals to the town include the Kurama Onsen, the Kurama-dera Temple, and the Yuki Jinja Shrine.
Hours (Kurama-dera Temple): 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, daily
Admission Fee (Kurama-dera Temple): 300 yen per person
Address: Kuramahonmachi, Sakyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 601-1111
Ohara
The town of Ohara is just an hour away from the Kyoto Station. Although it is situated in the mountains, it is still within the limits of the central city of Kyoto, Japan.
It is home to various temples and tourist attractions such as the Sanzenin Temple, Jakkoin Temple, Hosenin Temple, Shorinin Temple, Jikkoin Temple, Raigoin Temple, and Otonashi no Taki (Otonashi Waterfall).
Address: Ohararaikoincho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 601-1242
Hieizan
Hieizan, also known as the Enryakuji Temple, is among Japan’s most significant monasteries and also serves as the Tendai Sect of Japanese Buddhism’s headquarters. It dates back to the year 788 when it was founded by Saicho, the Buddhist monk responsible for introducing the teachings and practices of Tendai Buddhism to Japan.
The large complex is divided into three main sections – the Todo Area (houses most of the temple’s main buildings), the Saito Area (features a walking trail and the Shaka Hall), and the Yokawa Area (houses the Yokawa Central Hall).
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, daily (From March to November); 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, daily (December); 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, daily (From January to February)
Admission Fee: 700 yen per person
Address: 4220 Sakamoto Hommachi, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan 520-0116
Takao
Takao is a mountainous area in Northern Kyoto which houses three historic temples:
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Kozanji Temple
The Kozanji Temple was established in 774 and has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is believed to be the place where tea cultivation was first developed in Japan.
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: No admission to enter the temple grounds; 500 yen per person (During fall)
Address: 8 Umegahata Toganoocho, Ukyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 616-8295
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Jingoji Temple
The Jingoji Temple can be reached by going up a long set of stairs made of stone. It is the most popular of Takao’s temples and features several halls, an observation point, and a massive entrance gate.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: 600 yen per person
Address: 5 Umegahata Takaocho, Ukyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 616-8292
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Saimyoji Temple
The Saimyoji Temple was originally a part of the Jingoji Temple, serving as a separate attachment. Although it may not be as large as the others, it still attracts hundreds of visitors on a daily basis for its vermillion Shigetsukyo Bridge.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily
Admission Fee: 500 yen per person
Address: 1 Umegahata, Makinoocho, Ukyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 616-8291
Accommodation Options Near Ryoanji Temple (with Rating Reviews)
Tourists are encouraged to make the most of their visit to Northern Kyoto by at least staying the night. The city houses hundreds of hostel, hotel, ryokan, and apartment options available at different price ranges to meet the budget of any kind of traveler:
Estate Tokyu Nishikyogoku
Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Access: 4.3 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 9-minute walk away from the Nishi Kyogoku Station; 11-minute taxi ride away from the Kyoto Station
Address: 71-1 Minamioiricho, Ukyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 615-0883
Kumo Machiya Nijo
Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Access: 3.1 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 100 meters away from the Nijo Station; 900 meters away from the Nijojo-mae Station
Address: 17-14 Nishinokyo Hoshigaikecho, Nakagyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 604-8416
Japaning Hotel Saiin
Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Access: 3.8 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 1.4 kilometers away from the Nijo Station; 2.1 kilometers away from the Nijojo-mae Station
Address: 25-5 Saiinnishisanzocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 615-0027
Momijiya Annex
Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Access: 4.8 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 15-minute car ride away from the Hanazono Station; 4.3 kilometers away from the Saga Arashiyama Station
Address: 2 Umegahata Nishinohata, Ukyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 616-8289
FALDIC Inn. NIJO
Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Access: 2.8 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 700 meters away from the Nijo Station; 1 kilometer away from the Nijojo-mae Station
Address: 32-5 Jurakumawari Higashimachi, Nakagyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 604-8404
Rakucho Ryokan
Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Access: 4.6 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 10-minute walk away from the Kitayama Subway Station; 12-minute walk away from the Kitaoji Subway Station
Address: 67 Shimogamo Higashihangicho, Sakyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 606-0824
Kogane-An
Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Access: 2.9 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 400 meters from the Nijo Station; 1.2 kilometers away from the Nijojo-mae Station
Address: 19-30 Nishinokyo Uchihatacho, Nakagyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 604-8417
Bentenan
Rating: 9.0 out of 10
Access: 2.7 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 1.1 kilometers away from the Nijo Station; 1.3 kilometers from the Nijojo-mae Station and the Kitano Hakubaicho Station
Address: 305-9 Bentencho, Kamigyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 602-8168
Japaning Nishijin
Rating: 8.9 out of 10
Access: 2.8 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 900 meters away from the Imadegawa Station; 1.1 kilometers away from the Kuramaguchi Station
Address: 732-2 Nishiishiyacho, Kamigyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 602-8437
Kyoto Brighton Hotel
Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Access: 3.6 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 8-minute walk away from the Imadegawa Subway Station
Address: Shinmachi-Dori Nakadachiuri, Kamigyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 602-8071
Nene House
Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Access: 2.5 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 1.2 kilometers away from the Kitano Hakubaicho Station; 1.3 kilometers away from the Nijo Station
Address: 94-3 Hyakumanbencho, Kamigyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 602-8276
Grand Japaning Hotel Nijo
Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Access: 3.2 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 300 meters away from the Nijo Station; 1.1 kilometers away from the Nijojo-mae Station
Address: 23 Nishinokyo Nagamotocho, Nakagyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 604-8421
Hotel M’s Plus Shijo Omiya
Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Access: 4.3 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 900 meters away from the Nijojo-mae Station; 1 kilometer away from the Karasuma Station
Address: 114 Nishikioomiyacho, Nakagyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 604-8365
Kyoto Uraraka Guest House
Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Access: 3.2 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 17-minute car ride away from the JR Kyoto Station; 700 meters away from the Nijojo-mae Station; 900 meters away from the Nijo Station
Address: 740 Marutamachidori Chiekoin Higashiiru Kitaiseyacho, Kamigyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 602-8152
Luxury Machiya TAKEYA Honkan
Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Access: 1.9 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 700 meters away from the Kitano Hakubaicho Station; 1.5 kilometers away from the Ryoanji Station
Address: 729-5 Shinseicho, Kamigyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 602-8381
Kyoto Utano Youth Hostel
Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Access: 1.9 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 1.9 kilometers away from the Saga Arashiyama Station and the Ryoanji Station
Address: 29 Uzumasa Nakayamacho, Ukyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 616-8191
Oinaido
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Access: 1.5 kilometers away from Ryoanji Temple; 700 meters away from the Kitano Hakubaicho Station; 1.4 kilometers away from the Ryoanji Station
Address: 631-3 Kitamachi, Kamigyoku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan 602-8392