Ryūun-in, temple in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Ryūun-in is a small Buddhist temple in Bunkyo, Tokyo, dedicated to Soto Zen practice. The grounds feature a modest main hall with traditional Japanese wooden beams and sliding doors that open to a garden with small stone statues, moss, and trimmed trees.
The temple has long served the community as a place for spiritual practice and meditation. Though its origins are relatively modest, it remains a steady presence for those who value simplicity and continuity in their spiritual life.
The temple is connected to Soto Zen practice, a tradition that encourages meditation and mindfulness in everyday life. Visitors can observe people sitting on tatami mats during meditation sessions, showing how this place remains woven into the spiritual routines of the community.
The temple is easily accessible by local transportation and situated in a quiet residential area near shops and homes. Visitors should remove their shoes before entering the main hall and are encouraged to walk slowly through the grounds, noticing small details like worn stone steps and carved wooden beams.
Many visitors overlook the small details that make this place quietly appealing, such as worn stone steps and moss growing on the walls. These signs of age and wear contribute to a quality of simplicity and humility that reflects the heart of Soto Zen aesthetics.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
