History:

is a Zen temple located in Kyoto and part of the Myōshin-ji temple group. The temple was built in 1450 and is renowned for its stone garden containing fifteen rocks distributed in five groups. It is considered one of the finest examples of Japanese rock garden and is one of the most visited sites in Japan. In 1994 it was designated as a World Heritage Site. The name of the temple means "peaceful dragon temple”. It is one of the best temple in Japan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Ryōan-ji (龍安寺) is a Zen temple located in Kyoto, Japan, famous for its rock garden. 2. The temple was founded in 1450 by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, and complexly remodeled in 1473 by his son, who brought the Rinzai sect of Zen-Buddhism to Kyoto at the same time. 3. The garden, or tenshukaku, is a peaceful place with a small pond and a few carefully arranged stones over raked gravel. 4. The famous ‘Karesansui’ or ‘dry landscape’ garden at the temple is considered one of the best examples of the type in Japan. 5. It consists of 15 stones, of various sizes, arranged in a pattern of ‘mshin’, a difficult to discern placement, emphasizing the illusionary nature of the garden. 6. Neither water nor plants are used in the garden, but it is said to represent the Buddhist idea of creating beauty from nothing. 7. Ryōan-ji also has a teahouse and a restaurant near the garden, offering visitors a chance to relax and contemplate the garden’s beauty. 8. In the main hall of the temple there are a number of ancient murals from the 1200s and 1300s, depicting Buddhist parables and legends. 9. Ryōan-ji was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Here are some facts about the Japan temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Japan

Worship Method:

Ryōan-ji is a zen temple located in western Kyoto, Japan, and is home to one of the most significant Zen rock gardens in the world. The temple features a rectangular gravel garden outlined by a low stone wall. The garden is believed to have been laid out in the 15th century and consists of 15 stones of varying sizes arranged in five groupings. These stones are set in raked white gravel, which symbolizes water. The temple also has an observatory building, meditation hall, main hall and tea house. Worshippers bow three times when entering the necessary, perform two bows during the ritual and then end with three more bows on exiting the temple. This practice is known as rei-ho and is used to express respect and gratitude. In addition to rei-ho, worshippers may also use incense, bells and meditation when visiting Ryōan-ji to enhance their experience. Meditating within the walls of the garden is particularly popular for Zen Buddhists, as they believe the garden is a representation of the cosmic order and a way to foster peace and understanding. When visiting the temple, it is important to do so in a respectful manner. It is forbidden to speak loudly or make too much noise, as this would be considered disrespectful to the temple and to the Zen practice. It is also important to maintain the tradition of stopping at the entrance, bowing three times, and showing respect before entering. This most visited temple in Japan

Opening Timing:

The Ryōan-ji temple in Kyoto, Japan is open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm with last admission at 4:30pm. top temples in Japan

How to reach:

Ryōan-ji is located in Kyoto, Japan. Visitors can reach it by taking the JR West Urban Line from either Kyoto Station or Kintetsu Kyoto Station to Rokujizo Station. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to Ryōan-ji. Bus numbers 75, 59, and 11 stop at Ryōan-ji as well. Visitors can also take the Keihan Main Line from Sanjo Station to Ryoanji Station, just a short 5-minute walk from the temple. famous temples in Japan