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Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple)

13 Goryonoshita-cho Ryoanji Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 616-8001
Description: The Ryoanji is a Zen Buddhist temple in northwest Kyoto, and one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally a private estate for the Fujiwara family, the temple's most notable hi...Read More
  • Avg. User Rating:
    4 out of 5 stars

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Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple) Reviews

Have you visited the Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple) in Kyoto? We're always looking for more Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple) reviews and photos. Contribute yours today.
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Ryoanji Temple

  • 4 out of 5 stars by jenae567 from Okinawa City, Japan
  • September 18, 2025
Quote: When the word "Zen" is used, a handful of typical images come to mind. Perhaps it is a simple image of a stone Buddha statue. Perhaps it is a peaceful Koi pond. Quite often, it is a rock garden.Ryoanji-Mai temple possesses Japan's most famous and... Read the full Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple) review

From journal Peace in a Big City

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Ryoan-ji Temple

  • 4 out of 5 stars by dackelynn from Misaka, Japan
  • April 2, 2025
Quote: Ryoan-ji is a Buddhist temple famous for its Zen rock garden, built in the 15th century. Although the rock garden may be the main attraction, the temple grounds are beautiful, especially during the cherry blossom time or during Fall. After... Read the full Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple) review

From journal Kyoto's Imperial Charms

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Ryoan-ji Temple

  • 3 out of 5 stars by beyondvoid from Alhambra, California
  • March 31, 2025
Quote: Ryoanji Temple lies in the north-western region of Tokyo (in Ukyo-ku), somewhat removed from the central Kyoto area. The most convenient way to get to the temple is by bus, with the bus stop just a couple of feets away from the temple entrance. It... Read the full Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple) review

From journal Tales from the Old Capital - Kyoto

Ryoanji

  • 0 out of 5 stars by retirejapan from Boston, Massachusetts
  • September 10, 2025
Quote: Ryoanji is a temple with a magnificent rock garden. This is a Zen garden made up of rocks and a little moss. It is a tranquil place where you can sit on the wooden floor of the temple and contemplate what the garden means. No one knows for sure,... Read the full Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple) review

From journal Kyoto - Beautiful Beyond Belief

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Ryoanji Temple and Zen Rock Garden

Quote: The Ryoanji Temple is located in the northwest section of Kyoto. It is most well known for its Zen Rock Garden. This temple is another of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto, since December 1994. Upon entering Ryoanji, there is an enormous... Read the full Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple) review

From journal Sites of Kyoto

Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

  • 5 out of 5 stars by Avid Traveler from fishers, Indiana
  • December 10, 2025
Quote: Nestled in the upper northwest part of Kyoto alongside what is called "Kinu-kake-no-michi" drive are the spectacular rock gardens and temple of Ryoan-ji. Native to the city since the 1450s, this popular attraction is well worth the Yen. Zen-style... Read the full Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple) review

From journal Autumn in Kyoto

Ryoanji Zen Rock Garden

  • 4 out of 5 stars by getawayguy from Los Gatos, California
  • November 24, 2025
Quote: About a half-hour walk southwest of the Golden Pavilion is Ryoanji--home to what is probably the most famous Zen rock garden in all of Japan, laid out at the end of the 15th century during the Muromachi Period, by Soami. Fifteen rocks set in waves... Read the full Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple) review

From journal The Other Half of Our Dream Vacation

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Ryoan-ji dry garden

  • 4 out of 5 stars by billmoy from Chicago, Illinois
  • August 6, 2025
Quote: The simple rock garden of Ryoan-ji is regarded as Japan's most famous "kare sansui" or dry garden of this category (the Daihi-ji Zen monastery also has a nice dry garden). A visit here is a quiet, contemplative experience, even if you are perched on... Read the full Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple) review

From journal Bill in Japan - traditional KYOTO

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Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

  • 4 out of 5 stars by Quan from Seattle, Washington
  • July 11, 2025
Quote: Most famous for the dry landscape style, Ryoan-ji is also perhaps the most famous Zen garden in Kyoto. This unique garden was founded in 1450 under the patronage of Hosokawa Katsumoto, a top-ranking war load, who was offered the premises by the... Read the full Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple) review

From journal Kyoto - The Japan of Old