Ryoan-ji Temple, Kyoto

Ryoan-ji Temple is a famous Zen temple in northwest Kyoto, a short distance from the Kinkaku-ji Temple. The name Ryoan-ji means "Temple of the Peaceful Dragon". It is a Zen temple of the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai branch. Among visitors and tourist, Ryoan-ji is the temple with the most famous rock garden in Japan.

The rock garden of Ryoan-ji is located in an enclosed rectangular area, covering just a small portion of the sprawling grounds of the temple complex. The site is walled on three sides, with one site open for viewers to sit and contemplate the rocks.

There are fifteen moss-covered boulders in the garden, though you are only likely to see fourteen of them at any one time. They are surrounded by carefully raked gravel. The boulders have been compared to mountain peaks looming above the clouds, or a mother tiger crossing the river with her cubs. All in all, it is up to the visitor to interpret.

The famous rock garden of Ryoan-ji Temple, Kyoto (30 March, 2008)


Contemplating the rocks at Ryoan-ji (30 March, 2007)

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