What is Ryozan Shrine known for?

Ryozan Shrine is primarily known for commemorating the patriots and loyalists who died during the Bakumatsu period and the Meiji Restoration. The shrine and its adjacent cemetery hold particular significance as the resting place of over 1,300 historical figures, including famous samurai like Sakamoto Ryoma and Nakaoka Shintaro who played pivotal roles in modernizing Japan.

Is there an entrance fee to visit Ryozan Shrine?

Admission to Ryozan Shrine itself is free. However, the adjacent Ryozen Museum of History charges an entrance fee of approximately ¥700 for adults. The museum houses artifacts and documents from the late Edo period and provides historical context about the restoration period.

How do I get to Ryozan Shrine from Kyoto Station?

Take bus number 206 or 207 from Kyoto Station and get off at either Higashiyama-Yasui or Gion bus stops. From there, it's a 10-15 minute uphill walk to the shrine. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the Gion area or walk from nearby Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the sloped terrain.

Can I visit the graves of famous historical figures at Ryozan Shrine?

Yes, the cemetery adjacent to Ryozan Shrine contains the graves of prominent Meiji Restoration figures, including Sakamoto Ryoma and Nakaoka Shintaro. The cemetery is accessible to visitors and features over 1,300 graves of loyalist soldiers and patriots, marked with stone monuments and traditional lanterns throughout the hillside paths.

What else can I see near Ryozan Shrine?

Ryozan Shrine is located in Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district, placing it near several major attractions. Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto's most famous landmarks, is within walking distance. The Gion district, known for its traditional architecture and geisha culture, is also nearby. The shrine's elevated position offers panoramic views of eastern Kyoto and the surrounding mountains.

Ryozan Gokoku Shrine, Kyoto

4.2 (811)Shinto ShrineTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipPoint Of InterestAssociation Or OrganizationEstablishment

Last updated Aug 23, 2026

Ryozan Shrine is located in Kyoto, Japan, nestled on the slopes of Mount Ryozen (Ryozan) in the Higashiyama district. The shrine holds profound historical significance as it honors the patriots and loyalists who fought during the Bakumatsu period (1853-1867), the tumultuous final years of the Tokugawa shogunate that led to the Meiji Restoration. Established in 1868, immediately after the restoration, it was created to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives to overthrow the feudal system and restore imperial rule.

The shrine grounds contain the Ryozen Gokoku Shrine, which enshrines approximately 73,000 souls of war dead from various conflicts, including those from the Meiji Restoration, the Satsuma Rebellion, and subsequent wars. Adjacent to the main shrine is the Ryozen Museum of History, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and personal belongings from the late Edo period. The museum provides valuable context about figures such as Sakamoto Ryoma and Nakaoka Shintaro, influential samurai whose graves are located in the nearby cemetery.

Visitors can explore the peaceful shrine precincts, which offer panoramic views of eastern Kyoto and the surrounding mountains. The adjacent cemetery is particularly significant, containing the graves of over 1,300 loyalist soldiers and patriots, including prominent historical figures who played crucial roles in modernizing Japan. The atmosphere is contemplative, with stone monuments and lanterns dotting the hillside cemetery paths.

The shrine is accessible via bus number 206 or 207 from Kyoto Station, alighting at Higashiyama-Yasui or Gion bus stops, followed by a 10-15 minute uphill walk. Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi from Gion or walk from the Kiyomizu-dera Temple area. The shrine itself offers free admission, though the Ryozen Museum of History charges an entrance fee of approximately ¥700 for adults. The location's elevated position means comfortable walking shoes are recommended for navigating the sloped paths.

Traveler reviews

A very peaceful temple that memorise the patriots of Japan Society, mainly from the Meiji period to 2nd world war. though it's might seems sensitive regarding the 2nd world war decease, still it remind people of the greatness of the found fathers of modern Japan.

Armond Chen

Mar 13, 2023

I traveled to Kyoto to pay my respect to #RyomaSakamoto and to gather family registries. Thanks to a wonderful student of mine named Noriko. I shockingly learned one of my ancestors, a doctor named Shosai Fujita, performed surgery on Ryoma Sakamoto saving his life, after Sakamoto was attacked at the Teradaya Inn. Noriko pointed out pages 44-46 stated this. Also, other members of my family are mentioned on pages 118-120. My family registries and family testimonies on two different branches of the Fujita family, also support this narrative. I feel proud. I also feel a bit of my inside soul is repaired also. To know where I came from is to empower oneself to continue a family legacy, to know where to walk in the future and what footprints to leave behind. Ryoma Sakamoto was one of the founding fathers of the Meiji Revolution (Restoration in Western Historiography) and he employed diplomacy and peace to unite tribes for the dream of a modern Japan. His grave today does not reflect the greatness of this amazing, courageous, and prudent hero of Japanese history. But may his legacy, may we who agree with a modern Japan and peace, give him a bow.🇯🇵🗾

A very nice shrine to walk around and get your Goshuin stamp. You can visit the cemetery or just enjoy the beautiful sights here.

In the cemetery of this quiet shrine, lies Sakamoto Ryoma, one of the most important figures in Japanese recent history. His influence helped Japan throughout the Meiji period.

Then I went back and walked uphill a road called 維新の道 to Kyoto Ryozen Gokoku Shrine, which also the burial site of Japanese reform heroes such as 坂本龍馬 and 中岡慎太郎. There are almost no visitors on the long uphill way and in the shrine. I only wanted to solute before the tomb of 坂本龍馬. It was nearly closed time. I quickly toss coins and went upside the hill to the east of the shrine where Monuments located. I climbed fast and saw lots of tombstones near to each other. That solemn made me a little nervous. I found a large terrace but found no his tomb. So I climbed another layer and found it eventually. It's solemn and ordinary as others. I bowed with great respect. And from here, I had a great view of Kyoto, much better than from Kiyomizu. I could see dark mountains hugged Kyoto, long thick clouds were about to cover Kyoto, and the setting sun choked at the edge between clouds and mountains. The beautiful and quiet scene 龍馬 could enjoy every day moved me. Brave and committed people deserve a better life. He made it, and so do current Japanese. I hadn't known much about 龍馬 then, except his brief life from the wiki and NHK drama 新選組. After leaving Japan, I watched NHK drama 龍馬伝. His last moment was like witnessing a previous breaking into pieces. Forty episodes made him a regular and warm accompanying-open-minded, dared to think and try, which seemed to last forever, albeit death rendered him immoral.