Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto: Highlights and Personal Photos with Insights into the Rock Garden Praised by Queen Elizabeth II

2024-01-202024-09-20

Ryoanji Temple is world-famous for its “rock garden,” which features 15 stones arranged on white sand. The serene and solemn atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for those who want to relax while gazing at the garden.

This article will share the highlights of Ryoanji Temple, along with some personal photographs.

Geting to Ryoanji Temple from Kyoto Station

The most convenient way to reach Ryoanji Temple from Kyoto Station is by bus, as train need to transfer.

STEP

From the B2 bus stop at Kyoto Station’s bus terminal, take the city bus number 50.

The bus terminal is located right outside the central exit of Kyoto Station.

Look for the sign marked “B2”.

STEP

Disembark at Ritsumeikan Daigaku-mae bus stop.

It takes about 40-45 minutes from Kyoto Station. This bus stop is the last stop.

STEP

From the bus stop, then walk about 600m, which takes about 8 minutes.

The photo above is the entrance to Ryoanji Temple.

Highlights of Ryoanji Temple

The rock garden has gained international recognition in recent years, thanks to praise from figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple. While there are 15 stones in the garden, interestingly, you can only count 14 stones from any angle. This is not a mere coincidence; rather, it is a deliberate arrangement to express the concept of a “imperfect garden.”

In Eastern culture, the number 15 represents “perfection,” so by subtracting one, it conveys the idea of imperfection. Knowing this makes you even more eager to see it for yourself, doesn’t it? In Japan, there’s a belief that “once something is completed, the process of decay begins,” which is why some structures, like those at Nikko Toshogu Shrine, are intentionally left incomplete. It seems that the rock garden at Ryoanji Temple may have been designed with a similar intention.

This rock garden is a style of Japanese garden called “kare-sansui,” which expresses landscapes of water using only sand and stones, without any actual water.

On the opposite side of the rock garden, there is a famous stone called “tsukubai.” This was used as a place to wash hands before entering the tea room.

The surface of the tsukubai is inscribed with the Zen saying “Ware tada taru wo shiru.” This means, “If you know how to be content with what you have, your heart will be rich.” Researching Zen revealed that it’s about finding oneself. Rather than idolizing others, it encourages believing in oneself and knowing your “true self” to live authentically.

The mirror pond, known as Koyo Pond, also offers a beautiful view. This large pond occupies the southern part of the temple grounds, and during the Heian period(A.D. 794-1185), it is said that nobles would float boats on it while enjoying songs and dances.