Ryogen-in Temple
龍源院
A Daitoku-ji sub-temple containing Japan's smallest rock garden (Totekiko) and several other exquisite Zen gardens within a compact space. Each garden represents a different Zen concept. The main hall is a 500-year-old National Treasure. A masterclass in miniature Zen design.
Highlights & Must-See Features
- Japan's smallest rock garden (Totekiko)
- Five distinct Zen gardens in compact space
- Main hall is 500-year-old National Treasure
- Each garden represents different Zen philosophy
- Affordable admission (350 yen)
- Always open (unlike many Daitoku-ji sub-temples)
📍 How to Get There
Nearest Station
Bus stop Daitokuji-mae (Bus 206 or 101)
Step-by-Step Directions
- 1 From Kyoto Station: Bus 206 or 101 to Daitokuji-mae (30 min)
- 2 Within Daitoku-ji complex - enter main gate and follow signs
- 3 From Kinkaku-ji: Bus 12 or 20 minute walk
- 4 One of the few Daitoku-ji sub-temples always open
Location & Maps
🗺️ Interactive map - zoom and pan to explore
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
35.044167 135.745833 💡 Tip: "View Location" shows the temple on the map. "Get Directions" navigates from your current position.
Best Time to Visit
Any time - the rock gardens are beautiful year-round regardless of season. Moss between rocks is most vivid green after rain. Weekday mornings for most meditative experience with fewest visitors.
Contact & Info
82-1 Murasakino Daitokuji-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto 603-8231
Planning Your Visit?
Book nearby hotels and get exclusive deals for your Kyoto trip.
View Hotel DealsMrKyoto Live Now
Saga Arashiyama
Discover More
Sacred Sites of Kyoto
Book Kyoto Experiences
Nearby Temples & Shrines
These sacred sites are closest to Ryogen-in Temple and easy to combine in a single visit.
Daitoku-ji Temple
大徳寺
Main grounds free, sub-temples 400-600 yen each · 1-2 hours (visit 2-3 sub-temples)
Imamiya Shrine
今宮神社
Free · 20-30 minutes (add time for aburimochi snack)
Shoden-ji Temple
正伝寺
400 yen · 20-30 minutes
Genko-an Temple
源光庵
400 yen (500 yen during autumn special viewing) · 20-30 minutes
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
北野天満宮
Shrine free, plum garden 1,000 yen (includes tea and sweets, Feb-Mar only) · 45 minutes to 1 hour (2-3 hours during flea market)
Hirano Shrine
平野神社
Free (temporary sakura garden area: 500 yen during peak bloom) · 30-45 minutes