Beyond the famous garden, the temple grounds offer peaceful walking paths around a large pond, where you can spot turtles sunbathing on rocks and maple trees turning brilliant colors in fall. Many visitors say it’s less crowded than other places to visit in Kyoto, making it perfect for quiet reflection or photography.
Getting to Ryoan-ji Temple is easy with our Japan Tour Packages that cover Kyoto’s main attractions. Come early in the morning to beat the crowds and give yourself time to sit on the wooden viewing platform, taking in one of Japan’s most thoughtful spaces.
