This is the middle (geographically) of the three UNESCO world heritage Buddhist temples on the north side of Kyoto. There is a rail station here so it's easy to get to, but if you're coming via Uber or taxi there is a drop-off point as well. It is about a 25 min walk from the Kinkakuji temple and about a 10-15 minute walk from the Ninnaji temple. I definitely recommend seeing them all, as they each have different features and characteristics that make them individual. The main draw of this temple is the amazing gardens, and the "dry garden" (popularly called a Zen garden, because this is a temple of the Zen Buddhist sect and it's a characteristic feature of such temples) is what people come to see. But don't ignore the rest of the grounds which are just lovely. Every time you take a step you see a different vista that is carefully created to be perfect. You can read up on Buddhist garden design separately but I would recommend seeing it first and then doing the background reading, having had the experience. You can go into a building but be prepared to take off your shoes, so wear or bring socks. If you come in the winter, know that you will be walking around on exterior walkways that are open air.

Lovely temple to visit, very interesting to wander round. You need to take your shoes off in here and I found going upstairs, whilst holding my shoes in a plastic bag, quite difficult. Make sure you take time to go in Roanji Gardens too as they are beautiul.

My wife and walked about 20 minutes from the Golden Pavilion to visit the famous rock garden of Ryoanji Temple. We might be in the minority, but we found the rock garden to be extremely underwhelming. It reminded me of some sort of avant-garde art that we just didn’t “get.” We can say that we saw it but we didn’t get much else out of the visit.

Moment zen for the whole family, our 2 teenagers appreciated the garden and zen atmosphere there as well. Can easily be combined with the Golden Pavillon, just 30' minutes walk from each other. First do the Golden Pavillon (crowded), then walk to the Ryoanji Temple and enjoy the Zen setting there.

This temple is famous for its zen garden, and it is perfect to look at it while you meditate. Unfortunately there are many people around and it is almost impossible to clear your thoughts. I would suggest that you skip this temple unless you know you are not running into crowds of people.

An interesting rock garden with 15 rocks, apparently you are supposedly unable to view all 15 rocks at one time due to their positioning in the garden. The gardens are beautifully manicured, and it is a nice peaceful area to spend time strolling around the gardens and lake. Not overly busy.

Ryoan-ji Temple is about a mile from Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion). We walked, but there is a bus that goes from one temple to the other. Here you will have to remove your shoes, but fear not, you will walk on tatami mats to see the garden and rooms. There is a rock garden of 15 rocks absent of trees. You can also see a tea room and other rooms visible to the visitor. This is quite different than other temples we toured.

Ever since I went on my school trip, Every time I visit Kyoto, I never get tired of it The dry landscape garden has a calm atmosphere They'll always be watching. The trees around the pond are also good with a sense of season