Zen Gardens of Northwest Kyoto

Spend two days focusing on Daitoku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji, the moss garden of Saiho-ji and the Sokei Pond at Tenryu-ji in northwest Kyoto.

This short weekend itinerary is designed for repeat visitors and garden enthusiasts. On day one, explore the dry landscape gardens of Daitoku-ji's subtemples, the rock garden of Ryoan-ji and Ninna-ji in the northwest. On day two, book a visit to the moss garden of Saiho-ji, then end at the Sokei Pond at Tenryu-ji before departing. The itinerary focuses on the northwest and western outskirts only. The gardens of Tofuku-ji and Nanzen-ji in Higashiyama can be combined with other routes. Leave enough time each day for quiet reflection, and you can book a zazen meditation experience.

The moss garden is greenest during the rainy season. Crowds are heavy during foliage season, and some temples close during the year-end and New Year period.

Day by day

Day 1 · Daitoku-ji to Ninna-ji

Kyoto（Daitoku-ji、Ryoan-ji、Ninna-ji）

Take the subway to Kitaoji and transfer to a bus to Daitoku-ji, about 15 minutes. Take a bus about 15 minutes to Ryoan-ji, then walk about 10 minutes to Ninna-ji.

Open hours vary across Daitoku-ji's subtemples. Daisen-in and others are open year-round.

Stay: Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Area

Day 2 · Moss Temple and Tenryu-ji

Kyoto（Saihō-ji (Moss Temple)、Tenryu-ji、Arashiyama Bamboo Grove）

Take a bus or the Hankyu line to the Matsuo area, then walk to Saiho-ji. Take a bus about 15 minutes to Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama, then the JR Sagano Line about 15 minutes back to Kyoto Station.

Saiho-ji requires advance booking, and the visit includes sutra copying.

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