Ryoan-ji Temple

UNESCO World Heritage

龍安寺

Ryoan-ji is a temple in Kyoto's Ukyo Ward, built in 1450 by the daimyo (feudal lord) Hosokawa Katsumoto. It is famous for its rock garden, a flat garden of fifteen stones placed in raked white gravel. From any viewing angle you can never see all fifteen stones at once. The temple grounds also have the Kyoyo-chi pond, which is especially beautiful in autumn.

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Visitor information

Opening hours

March 1 to November 30: 8:00–17:00. December 1 to end of February: 8:30–16:30.

Closed

Open every day (no regular closing day).

Admission

Adults 600 yen, high school students 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students 300 yen.

Getting there

From Kyoto Station: City Bus 50 to Ritsumeikan-Daigaku-mae, then about 7 minutes on foot.

From Keihan Sanjo Station: City Bus 59 to Ryoanji-mae; the temple is right there.

Keifuku (Randen) Line: Ryoanji Station, about 7 minutes on foot.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

The famous stone garden is a flat garden with no hills or ponds. You can view it from a platform right above the garden.

Tips for Muslim visitors

Large numbers of tourists come during the day. Japan's national tourism site recommends arriving right at opening time or just before closing, when there are few visitors.
You can eat a Kyoto-style tofu meal at Seigenin, inside the temple grounds. Ask the restaurant about its ingredients, because the page gives no details.
Buddhist temples welcome visitors of all faiths. You can enjoy the buildings and gardens without joining any prayer, burning incense or buying charms.
Many halls ask you to take off your shoes. Wear socks and shoes that are easy to slip off, and keep a bag for your shoes if none is provided.
Photography is often not allowed inside halls. Follow the signs and ask staff if you are unsure.
Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Kyoto and the verified places to pray nearby.
Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.