THE GIST OF THIS ARTICLE
- Page 1 Introduction, #1 Eikando, #Tofukuji
- Page 2 #3 Kitano Tenmangu, #4 Kinkakuji, #5 Ginkakuji
- Page 3 #6 Ryoanji, #7 Toji
- Page 4 #8 Kiyomizudera, #9 Ninnaji, #10 Nisonin
The following is the contents of this article.
#6 Ryoanji temple 龍安寺
Overview
Ryoanji has the most famous Zen rock garden in the world. Huge fire burnt it many times and we have scarce knowledge about it.
The Zen rock garden
Typical Zen rock garden has no plants. The garden of Ryoanji is constructed in that way: it has only pebble stones, mossed-islands and rocks. Maple trees are planted behind the wall. It always is crowded with many people because it is the most famous garden in Japan.
Hojo teien garden
Hoji is a main hall in Zen temple. It has four gardens usually. The zen rock garden is one of them. The photo above is one of four gardens.
Kyoyochi pond
Ryoanji used be famous for this Kyoyochi pond. We can enjoy the autumn foliage there.
About Ryoanji temple
How to get to Ryoanji temple?
Kyoto City bus no.59: Ryaonji mae bus stop.
#7 Toji temple 東寺
Overview
Toji is one of two temples offically built in Heian kyo city. It was given to Kukai in the 9th century and became the most important temple of Vajrayana Buddhism.
Schedule of 2023 (Goju no toh pagoda special visit)
- Dates 11/26日（日）～12月10日（日）
- Open hours 8:00~17:00
- Entrance fee Special ticket for the pagoda, Kinko, Kodo(3D Mandala)
Daytime
In daytime, we can admire the beautiful red maple tress arount the pagoda.
Illumination
- Dates 11/1～12/10
- Open hours 18:00~21:30 (Entrance closes at 21:00)
- Entrance fee 1,000円
ぎゃああああああああ！！！！！
In weekends, people wait in line at the entrance. The line was about 200y. It took a couple of hours to enter.
It is the illumination that the most amazing thing in Autumn leaves of Toji. Mizukagami, the reflection of the surface of Hyoton-ike pond, is beyond description.
Enjoy Mizukagami.
At night, red leaves go with the gold-illuminated pagoda.
About Toji temple
How to get to Toji temple?
About 15 minutes walk from JR Kyoto station: Red train annotation
Kyoto City bus
No. 205 Toji michi bus stop: Blue bus annotations.
No. 207 Toji Higashi mon mae bus stop: Red bus annotations.
