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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kansai - Kyoto
Ryoanji Temple
# 9   of 46 sights
in Kyoto

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.

Construction Notice: Ryoanji is currently being renovated until February 2010. The temple will remain open and the garden viewable during the renovation period, except between January 5 and February 25, 2010, when the temple will be closed. Note however, that scaffolding and possible noise will impact the visit.

Before renovation
During renovation (October 23, 2009)

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 (January 5 to February 25, 2010 for renovation)
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
Popularity of Ryoanji Temple:
Users who have been to Kyoto: 1925
Users who have been to Ryoanji Temple: 482

9th of 46 most visited sights in Kyoto.
39th of 554 most visited sights nationwide.

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User Rating (by 286 users):
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English Links
Ryoanji
Official English website.

Japanese Links
Ryoanji
Official website.

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