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Ryōan-ji

Temple in Kyoto, Japan

Travel Tips

Look out for the stone water basin. 1

Spend time in contemplation for a truly peaceful experience. 2

Contemplate the garden's meaning, as only 14 of the 15 stones are visible from any angle. 3

Enjoy the tranquility of the garden by visiting during less crowded times. 4

A short distance from Kinjaku-ji. 5

Contemplate the garden's meaning from the viewing platform. 6

Best enjoyed in silence, try to visit during less crowded times. 7

Introduction

History

  • 🏯 Origins: The site was originally an aristocrat's villa during the Heian Period.
  • 🔄 Conversion: Converted into a Zen temple in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto.
  • 🔥 Destruction and Rebuilding: The temple was destroyed during the Ōnin War and rebuilt by Hosokawa Masamoto in 1488.
  • 👑 Imperial Mausoleum: The temple serves as a mausoleum for several emperors, known as the 'Seven Imperial Tombs'.
  • 📜 UNESCO World Heritage: Listed as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Rock Garden

  • 🪨 Design: The garden consists of 15 rocks laid out in small groups on patches of moss, surrounded by pebbles.
  • 🔍 Viewing: From any vantage point, at least one rock is always hidden from the viewer.
  • ❓ Meaning: The garden's meaning is unclear, with interpretations ranging from a tiger carrying cubs across a pond to abstract concepts like infinity.
  • 🧘 Meditation: The garden is designed to facilitate meditation and is best viewed from the Hojo building.
  • 📏 Dimensions: The garden is a rectangle of 248 square meters (25m x 10m).

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Other Gardens

  • 🌳 Park Area: Includes a spacious park area with a pond dating back to the Heian Period.
  • 🌸 Kyoyochi Pond: Features a small shrine on one of its three islands.
  • 🍵 Tea Garden: Includes a teahouse and a famous stone water basin for ritual purification.
  • 🪴 Tsukubai: The stone water basin has a Zen inscription and requires users to bow, symbolizing humility.
  • 🌿 Vegetation: The park area has walking trails and cherry trees.

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Access

  • 🚍 JR Bus: Directly reachable from Kyoto Station by JR bus, taking about 30 minutes.
  • 🚆 Keifuku Kitano Line: Accessible via the Keifuku Kitano Line train, getting off at Ryoanji-michi Station.
  • 🚶 Walking: A 20-minute walk west of Kinkakuji.
  • 💳 Passes: The bus ride is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR Kansai Area Pass, and Kyoto's one-day bus pass.
  • 🕒 Frequency: Buses run every 15-30 minutes.

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Dining

  • 🍽️ Restaurant: Specializes in Yudofu (boiled tofu), a Kyoto specialty.
  • 🏯 Setting: The restaurant is set in attractive tatami rooms overlooking a traditional Japanese garden.
  • 🥢 Menu: Patrons can order drinks or share one dish, but extra charges apply.
  • 🌿 Experience: Offers a traditional Japanese dining experience with views of the garden.
  • 💵 Charges: Extra charges apply for sharing dishes or ordering just drinks.

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Opening Hours

  • 🕰️ March to November: 8:00 to 17:00.
  • 🕰️ December to February: 8:30 to 16:30.
  • 📅 Seasonal Variations: Hours vary slightly depending on the season.
  • ⏰ Early Visits: Early morning visits are recommended to avoid crowds.
  • 📍 Main Entrance: The main entrance is through the Kuri building, the former temple kitchen.

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Travel Information
📞   Phone: +81 75-463-2216
🌐   Website: http://www.ryoanji.jp/
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001, Japan

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