Ryoanji Temple Video Introduction

The featured video, "Ryoanji Temple - Kyoto - 龍安寺," is a beautifully concise visual work introducing Ryoanji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most renowned Zen temples. Focusing on the panoramic view of the rock garden, the composition evokes the tranquility and cultural depth of Japan. Despite its short length, it effectively conveys the essence of a karesansui (dry landscape) garden.

What Is Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto's Ukyo Ward?

Where is Ryoanji Temple located?
Ryoanji Temple is a Zen temple of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect, located in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto.
*Zen temples are Buddhist temples that follow the teachings of Zen Buddhism, emphasizing spiritual training through zazen (seated meditation), ascetic practices, silence, and the state of no-mind.

Photo: Fresh greenery at Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto

Located within walking distance of the famous tourist site Kinkakuji, Ryoanji is also close to other World Heritage Sites such as Ninna-ji and Myoshin-ji, making it a popular area for experiencing Zen culture.
Compared to more famous destinations, it tends to be less crowded, making it an ideal “hidden gem” in Kyoto for those who wish to enjoy the garden in peace.

Why was it designated a World Heritage Site?
In 1994, Ryoanji Temple was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." The main reason was its rock garden, considered the ultimate form of karesansui. Its philosophical structure and aesthetic value have been recognized worldwide.

Did Queen Elizabeth visit?
One reason for Ryoanji’s international recognition is Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 1975. It is said that she quietly sat before the rock garden and remarked, “There is something inexplicably captivating about this garden.” Since then, the temple has become widely known among foreign visitors as a symbol of Zen culture.

What Is the History and Background of Ryoanji?

Photo: Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto City

What was the site originally?
The land where Ryoanji stands today was originally the villa estate of the aristocratic Fujiwara clan during the Heian period. Its quiet foothill location made it an ideal place for enjoying nature through the seasons and for cultural pursuits like poetry and tea ceremonies.
Later, in 1450 during the Muromachi period, Katsumoto Hosokawa, a senior official of the shogunate, converted the estate into a Zen temple. This was a time of growing tension before the Onin War (1467 onward), during which many samurai turned to Zen for spiritual solace and intellectual cultivation. Ryoanji was established in this context and evolved into the temple we see today.
The name “Ryoanji” means “The Temple of the Peaceful Dragon,” symbolizing spiritual tranquility and the Zen state of egolessness. The temple reflects the philosophy of the intellectuals and monks of the time, harmonizing nature and human design.

What is the Rinzai Myoshinji school?

Photo: Stone statue at Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto

Ryoanji belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Rinzai Zen traces its roots to the Chinese Tang dynasty monk Linji Yixuan and was introduced to Japan during the Kamakura period. It emphasizes not only meditation but also attaining enlightenment through everyday activities and dialogue.
The Myoshinji school is the largest branch, with Myoshinji Temple in Kyoto as its head temple and about 3,400 affiliated temples nationwide.
Despite being a tourist site, Ryoanji remains an active training temple, where monks continue to perform daily rituals morning and evening.

What disasters has it faced?

Photo: Chokushi-mon Gate of Ryoanji’s Hojo, Kyoto

Ryoanji has experienced several disasters throughout its long history. In particular, the fire of 1797 destroyed key structures including the main hall (Hojo). This major fire reportedly affected surrounding areas as well. The current Hojo was originally part of Seigen-in, a sub-temple built in 1606, and was relocated after the fire.
Further repairs and preservation efforts were carried out in the Meiji era and postwar period. The current beautiful state of the temple is the result of continued care by many people. The garden, too, has been maintained in line with the times, with preservation and restoration undertaken in the late 20th century. The serene atmosphere today is a testament to these efforts.

What Makes Ryoanji’s Karesansui Garden So Special?

Photo: Ryoanji’s rock garden with autumn leaves

What are the size and layout of the garden?
Ryoanji’s rock garden measures approximately 25 meters east to west and 10 meters north to south, totaling about 250 square meters. It features white gravel and 15 stones arranged in five groups (5-2-3-2-3). It is viewed from the veranda of the Hojo and is enclosed on three sides (east, south, west) by earthen walls.
The stones are surrounded by moss and resemble small islands, while the gravel is raked into ripples. The aged wall itself is an intentional part of the garden, adding character over time.

What is karesansui?

Photo: Karesansui Japanese garden

Karesansui is a traditional Japanese garden style that uses rocks, gravel, and moss to symbolically represent natural landscapes without using water. Often found in Zen temples, it serves as a space for spiritual practice and meditation.
Gravel suggests rivers or seas, and stones symbolize mountains or islands. By expressing nature in an abstract form, the garden invites introspection.

What do the stones represent?
The 15 stones in the garden have no clearly defined meaning, and this very ambiguity draws visitors’ fascination.

Photo: Ryoanji’s karesansui garden

One popular theory is known as “Tiger Cubs Crossing,” suggesting the arrangement depicts a tiger carrying her cubs across a river—large stones as the mother, small ones as cubs, and white gravel as flowing water.
Other interpretations include “islands floating in the sea” or abstract art representing infinity or emptiness. The lack of a single answer allows visitors to find new perspectives each time.

The garden also embodies Zen teachings such as “not seeking to understand everything” and “seeing your inner self reflected with each visit.”

Why is one stone always hidden from view?
The garden’s most unique feature is that from any viewing angle, one of the 15 stones is always hidden. This is believed to be a deliberate design, reflecting the Zen notion that one cannot perceive complete truth all at once. The garden changes depending on where you stand, making it a philosophical space that mirrors the observer’s mind.

Visitor Information and How to Enjoy Ryoanji

Admission fee and hours?
As of June 2024, admission is 600 yen for adults, 500 yen for high school students, and 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students.
Open year-round, from 8:00–17:00 (March–November) and 8:30–16:30 (December–February). Early mornings and late afternoons are typically less crowded, making for a more peaceful visit.

How to get there?
The nearest station is Ryoanji Station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad (Randen) Kitano Line, about an 8-minute walk. From Kyoto Station, take City Bus No. 50 for about 30 minutes and get off at “Ryoanji-mae.” It's also about a 10-minute walk from the “Ritsumeikan University” bus stop.

Best time and season to visit?
Ryoanji offers completely different scenery depending on the season—lush greenery in spring and vivid foliage in autumn. Especially in mid-November, the garden with its red backdrop becomes a popular subject for social media photos.

Best photo spots?
Popular spots include the veranda of the Hojo with a full view of the rock garden and the framed view through the pillars inside the hall. The reflection of autumn leaves on Kyoyochi Pond is also a must-see.

What’s nearby?

Photo: Kinkakuji

Nearby are many famous Zen temples, including Kinkakuji (about 1.5 km east, 18 minutes on foot), Ninna-ji (about 0.8 km west, 11 minutes), and Myoshin-ji (about 1.4 km southeast). The area is also known as the “Kinukake-no-Michi” sightseeing route and is home to matcha cafes and sweets shops.

Summary: Why Does Ryoanji Continue to Fascinate?

The appeal of Ryoanji lies in its tranquility, visual subtlety, and deep meaning. Within the seemingly simple structure of the rock garden lies a multitude of interpretations and aesthetic experiences, enough to even captivate Queen Elizabeth II.
If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, Ryoanji is a must-see “hidden gem” where you can escape the crowds and reflect in silence. Experience this space where philosophy and beauty come together with your own eyes.

[Official Website] http://www.ryoanji.jp/smph/eng