Ryoan-ji Review

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Ryoan-ji

  • Address: 13 Goryoshita-machi, Ryoan-ji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

Fodor's Review:

The garden at Ryoan-ji, rather than the temple, attracts people from all over the world. Knowing that the temple belongs to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism may help you appreciate the austere aesthetics of the garden. It's a karesansui, a dry garden: just 15 rocks arranged in three groupings of seven, five, and three in gravel. From the temple's veranda, the proper viewing place, only 14 rocks can be seen at one time. Move slightly and another rock appears and one of the original 14 disappears. In the Buddhist world the number 15 denotes completeness. You must have a total view of the garden to make it a meaningful experience—and yet, in the conditions of this world, that's not possible.

If possible, visit Ryoan-ji in the early morning before the crowds arrive and disturb the garden's contemplative quality. If you need a moment to yourself, head to the small restaurant on the temple grounds near an ancient pond, where you can contemplate over an expensive beer. From a southbound 12 or 59 bus, the temple will be on your right.

  • Cost: ¥500
  • Open: Mar.-Nov., daily 8-5; Dec.-Feb., daily 8:30-4:30
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