Ryoanji Kyoyochi Pond — Local services in Kyoto

I have been to this garden multiple times throughout all the seasons and it’s just such a peaceful spot with many benches to sit while enjoying coffee and reading a book for example. In the middle of the lake there is a small island with a little shrine and another bench right in front of it and if there is no one around, you can have some privacy to read again for example. As for the entry fee, I am not quite sure, because some locals told me as long as I don’t go to the Ryoanji temple itself, I don’t need to pay the entry fee to visit the garden, another time the cashier at front told me, that I should always pay, even if I’m just going to the garden, but I think she just thought I’m a one time visitor, who doesn’t know how the system works 😅 Also an interesting thing you can do at the location except enjoying free time or going to the stone garden is that there is also a small Buddhist temple where locals gather and meditate for an hour (half an hour in one position, few minutes brake to stretch, and another half an hour). There is a schedule, when meditations are held, they were usually few times a week either at 6 am or 6 pm. I was once sitting on a nearby bench, when this elderly man approached me and started to talk to me about the place, he then invited me to go meditating with him, so I went out of curiosity, since I had some free time 😅 luckily there was also this British lady at the spot, who helped me out a lot with the etiquette and how to behave in...

Kyoyochi Pond is a scenic feature of Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto, Japan. Originally built in the 12th century, the pond predates the famous rock garden and was part of an aristocratic estate. Surrounded by lush greenery, cherry trees, and maples, it offers a tranquil atmosphere that changes beautifully with the seasons. The pond is home to koi fish, turtles, and waterfowl, adding to its serene charm. A small shrine on an islet enhances its historic appeal. Kyoyochi Pond reflects the elegance of classical Japanese garden design, making it a peaceful retreat within the...

This pond is expansive and there are some really scenic areas to it, but the sheer amount of foliage on all sides makes getting a good view a little difficult. It is pretty, but by no means one of the most beautiful ponds/gardens in Kyoto. If you're pressed for time you can skip this pond and its temple, but since it lies between Kinkaku-ji and Ninna-ji (which are amazing), it is probably worth the visit if you aren't...