Uploaded September 2016 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Ryōan-ji is home to one of Japan’s most famous rock gardens, a cultural heritage site that attracts visitors from all around the world every day. Originally the temple was an aristocrat’s villa during the Heian Period, but it was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto, who was a top-ranking warlord in the Ashikanga Shogunate. Although the rock garden at Ryōan-ji takes the spotlight, the temple offers other beautiful gems such as the Kyōyōchi Pond in its residential-style leisure garden, as well as the beautiful paintings and artifacts in the Abbot's Quarters. In 1994, this temple was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
To see more of Ryōan-ji Temple and how to get there, check out our page:
discoverkyoto.com/places-go/ryoan-ji
Ryōan-ji is home to one of Japan’s most famous rock gardens, a cultural heritage site that attracts visitors from all around the world every day. Originally the temple was an aristocrat’s villa during the Heian Period, but it was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto, who was a top-ranking warlord in the Ashikanga Shogunate. Although the rock garden at Ryōan-ji takes the spotlight, the temple offers other beautiful gems such as the Kyōyōchi Pond in its residential-style leisure garden, as well as the beautiful paintings and artifacts in the Abbot's Quarters. In 1994, this temple was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
To see more of Ryōan-ji Temple and how to get there, check out our page:
discoverkyoto.com/places-go/ryoan-ji
![Beautiful Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms at Ninna-ji Temple [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oO7SqyKi7CE/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms at Ninna-ji Temple [4K]
When it comes to sakura season in Kyoto, you have a lot of options when it comes to the type of flowers youd like to see. Weeping cherry trees, double-flowered cherry trees, mountain cherry trees... and Omuro cherry trees! This particular type of sakura is shorter than others, features white blossoms, and blooms later than most other types. Ninna-ji temple in northwestern Kyoto is famous for their grove of Omuro Sakura, and the sight of the temples pagoda over a sea of flowers is iconic. Dont miss Ninna-jis cherry blossoms in late April!
To see more of Ninna-ji Temple and how to get there, check out our page:
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/ninna-ji")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tōfuku-ji [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pMFqMyTvPWE/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tōfuku-ji [4K]
Kyotos autumn leaves (kōyō) are some of the most famous in the country, and one of the most popular places to view the changing colors is at Tōfuku-ji temple. One of the citys Five Great Zen Temples, Tōfuku-ji was founded in 1236 and is home to a famous series of gardens and one of the oldest Sanmon Gates in Japan. When it comes to seasonal delights, however, go to Tōfuku-ji for their gorgeous mini-valley filled with maple trees. The Tsūten-kyō Bridge crosses over this rich sea of colors, allowing visitors to feel as if they are floating on a sea of red autumn leaves.
To see more of Tōfuku-ji and how to get there, check out our page: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/tofuku-ji/
Music: Autumn Piano by SuricateBand")
