All places on the map· Kyoto
Ryōan-ji
Sight4.5 · 10 8354.2 · 2 665≈ 1 h 8 minEntry: ~600 JPY
A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, Ryoan-ji is internationally renowned as the quintessential Japanese dry landscape Zen garden (karesansui). Originating around 1500, the rectangular courtyard consists of combed white gravel and fifteen moss-ringed boulders arranged so that from any vantage point on the wooden veranda, one stone remains hidden. The surrounding estate features ancient forest paths and the serene Kyoyochi water-lily pond.
Highlights
- World-famous 15th-century dry landscape Zen rock garden with 15 boulders
- Mysterious optical perspective where only 14 stones are visible at once
- Serene Kyoyochi pond filled with water lilies and bordered by wooded walking trails
Opening hours
| Mon | 08:00 – 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 08:00 – 17:00 |
| Wed | 08:00 – 17:00 |
| Thu | 08:00 – 17:00 |
| Fri | 08:00 – 17:00 |
| Sat | 08:00 – 17:00 |
| Sun | 08:00 – 17:00 |
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