Ryu'un-ji

Ryu'un-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kita-ku that houses multiple structures for spiritual practice, including meditation halls and a traditional Japanese garden with carefully placed stone formations. The grounds bring together several functional spaces that work as a unified setting for ceremony and inner work.

The temple was founded in 1886 during the Meiji period, when Japan was modernizing rapidly. This timing shaped how the building blends traditional Buddhist elements with approaches that responded to the era's social changes.

The temple sustains Rinzai Zen practices through regular meditation sessions that shape the daily rhythm of the place. Visitors can observe how spiritual activities weave through the ordinary routines of those who come here.

The temple is accessible by public transportation from nearby stations and offers structured meditation sessions at designated times. Check ahead about visiting hours to plan your visit appropriately.

The temple displays a distinctive blend of modern design approaches with classical Buddhist forms visible in both its architecture and garden layout. This combination emerged from the need to express traditional spirituality during a time of rapid change.