Ryoanji

The famous landscape of Long'an Temple is the Kushanshui. In fact, there are many courtyards, but the most famous here, the style is really very Han and Tang. The wind and dry landscape of the stone garden, the layout of the scene is very delicate, the moss and pond are quite quiet.

In the temples of Kyoto, the stones and sand were used by monks to present nature and the universe, combining the spirit of Zen with the artistic conception of landscape painting, condensing the intangible meaning with tangible objects, and forming the unique "dry landscape" in Japan. "The standing stone at the place where there is no water in the pond, the name is "Ku Shanshui"" This is the earliest record of the "Ku Shanshui" in Zuo Ting Ji. In the dry landscape of Long'an Temple, there are no living water and flowering plants that are common in forest garden design, only inanimate stones and white sand. The fleeting beauty in nature, such as water ripples, ripples, waves, etc., is stripped of all the superfluous appearances through simplification, condensation, and blanking, leaving only the unchanging original appearance.

This Zen temple is popular for its large gardens, where it's possible to find a secluded corner to relax and contemplate. Visit in autumn, when the momiji (maple trees) offer their best colours.

something to be experienced. Amazing calmness and energy at this place. Take your time..

This rock/zen garden is one of the oldest and most famous in Japan and is well worth a visit. The stones are placed so that not all can be seen at once, but It's said that only through enlightenment can all 14 rocks be viewed.

The most famous example of a zen rock garden. A must-see in Kyoto. At first glance, the garden may seem simple or even boring to some but well worth taking the time to sit and appreciate the details.

Ryoanji, for me, is the most mind-blowing amongst all Kyoto temples. Understated, pure but intelligent and timeless. The 15-rock garden created in 14th century revealing the upmost buddhist thought is still inspirational to many today. Doesn't take golds and silvers to show glory.