A simple rock garden, consisting only of white sand and 15 rocks, laid out at the end of the 15th century, is acknowledged to be one of the masterpieces of Japanese culture. It measures only 25 meters from east to west and 10 meters from south to north. This zen garden is said to have been laid out by Soami, a painter and gardener who died in 1525. It is up to each visitor to find out for themselves what this unique garden signifies. It is traditionally said that you can only see 14 of the boulders from the temple's veranda at any time - only through attaining enlightenment would one be able to view all 15.
Other features of the temple include The Kyoyochi Pond, which was made in the late 12th century. Also, the unique wash-basin of stone, 'Tsukubai', which has a unique inscription, "I learn only to be contented." The Tsukubai is said to have been contributed by Mitsukuni Tokygawa (1628 - 1700), a feudal lord and the compiler of the great History of Japan known as 'Dainippon-shi'.
In 1994 Ryoanji was registered on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
Times and Prices
Admission: 500 Yen
Hours:
08:00 - 17:00 (Mar- Nov)
08:30 - 16:30 (Dec - Feb)
Location
North west of Kyoto
How to Get There
Keifuku Kitano Line. Get off at Ryoanji-michi Station.
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