Ryoan-ji Temple in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Ryoan-ji (Temple of the Peaceful Dragon) in Kyoto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and belongs to the most famous Zen Temples in Japan. The reason for this iconic status is its rock garden with 15 stones called Sekitei surrounded by white gravel. Thousands of visitors from all around the world come here every month to appreciate the unique beauty of this dry landscape garden (kare-sansui). The garden size itself is only 25m x 10m. The real meaning of the garden is not completely clear, but this gives room for everyone's thoughts and theories. Btw it is not possible to see all 15 rocks at once from any point on the terrace. Ryoan-ji is part of the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. My tip: To enjoy one of the biggest attractions in Kyoto to the fullest you should come here during the cherry blossom season at the end of March.

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• Ryoan-ji:
• Opening Hours - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm – March to November
• Opening Hours - 8:30 am to 4:30 pm – December to February
• Admission Fee - 500 yen (Adults), 300 yen (Students)

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History

The Ryoan-ji Temple was originally a villa of the powerful Fujiwara clan during the Heian Period (794 - 1185). In 1450 Hosokawa Katsumoto (1430 - 1473), a feudal warlord within the Ashikaga Shogunate, changed the villa into a Zen temple. During the Onin War (1467 - 1477) the temple was burned down, but in 1488 completely reconstructed by Hosokawa Masamoto (1466 – 1507). The exact date of the creation of the famous rock garden is still not clear to this day. Some researchers say it was in 1488 during the Muromachi period (1336 - 1573) by garden designer and monk Soami (1472 - 1525). The temple burned down in 1797 and was rebuilt shortly after. Since then nothing has changed anymore in the temple layout and architecture. In 1994 the Ryoan-ji Zen Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

Sightseeing spots at Ryoan-ji Temple grounds

Top:

Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden - This dry landscape garden with its 15 rocks is the most famous in Japan.

Kyoyochi Pond (Mirror Pond) - It is one of the best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto. The history of the pond is dating back to the 12th century.

Hojo - The former residence of the head priest (abbot) is known for the beautiful paintings (fusuma) at the sliding doors and the great meditation hall.

Teahouse and Tea Garden - Built during the 17th century and a great example of the Japanese architecture style during the Edo period (1603 - 1868).

Chisoku No Tsukubai - This famous stone water basin was used for the purification ceremony. It has the appearance of an old Chinese coin.

Yudofu (boiled tofu) - Try out this local cuisine in a restaurant located within the spacious strolling garden of the temple complex.

Seven Imperial Tombs - Seven imperial family members are buried here, which are Emperor Enyu (959 - 991), Ichijo (980 – 1011), Go-Suzaku (1009 - 1045), Go-Reizei (1025 - 1068), Go-Sanjo (1032 - 1073), Horikawa (1079 - 1107) and Imperial Princess Teishi (1013 - 1094).

Bonsho - Look out for this traditional Buddhist temple bell, which is used quite often during festivals and big events like the New Year celebrations.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April

Hanamatsuri (8th)
The "flower festival" is a celebration of Buddha's birthday.

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

Arashiyama Mifune Matsuri (third Sunday of May)
The first part is held at the Kuramazaki Shrine. Later a procession is leading to the Oi River, where more ceremonies and traditional dances (Funa Asobi) are held. The Arashiyama Mifune Matsuri started in 1914.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.