Princess Margaret of the Ancient Capital of Japan Princess Margaret visited Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto and listened to the explanation of the temple's abbot, Shaoei Matsukura.

In September 1969, Princess Margaret of the United Kingdom visited Kyoto in deep autumn with her husband, Lord Snowdon. On September 23, the day they arrived in Kyoto, they enjoyed watching traditional kemari (a Japanese game of kemari) and tea ceremony in the garden of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where they were staying. On the following day, September 24, she visited Nijo Castle, Nishi Honganji Temple, the stone garden of Ryoanji Temple, and Katsura Imperial Villa. Despite her busy schedule, Princess Margaret kept a charming smile on her face. She changed her outfit every time she went out, and her best-dressed appearance was quite popular, playing a major role in promoting goodwill between Japan and the UK. Princess Margaret visits the stone garden of Ryoanji Temple and listens to an explanation by Shoei Matsukura, the temple's chief priest.