Ryōan-ji

龍安寺

Famous for its Zen garden, which is considered to be one of the most notable examples of the "dry-landscape" style. Surrounded by low walls, an austere arrangement of fifteen rocks sits on a bed of white gravel. That's it: no trees, no hills, no ponds, and no trickling water. Behind the simple temple that overlooks the rock garden is a stone washbasin called Tsukubai said to have been contributed by Tokugawa Mitsukuni in the 17th century. It bears a simple but profound four-character inscription: "I learn only to be contented". There is a fantastic boiled tofu (湯豆腐 yudōfu) restaurant on the grounds, which you should be able to find by following the route away from the rock garden and towards the exit. It is slightly expensive, but serves delicious, traditional tofu dishes. There is also a small cafe, serving food including vegetarian yudōfu dishes, from 11am to 3pm. The rest of the grounds are worth a look too - particularly the large pond.

• Limited wheelchair access
• Heritage listed
• Built 1450

• history
• coffee
• outdoors
• vegetarian

Getting there

nearest bus stop: Ryōanji-mae, route 59; nearest Randen tram stop, Ryoanji-michi

Hours

Mar-Nov: daily 08:00-17:00; Dec-Feb: 08:30-16:30

Price

¥600

Website

ryoanji.jp (opens in a new tab)