Why the
Ryoan-ji Rock Garden
is special

Kyoto's 500-year-old garden consists simply of 15 rocks set on a bed of gravel. The scene inspires peaceful Zen contemplation.

Ryoan-ji Rock Garden
tips & insights

Rocks

The 15 rocks have irregular shapes and sizes - and are positioned into 5 small groups, some surrounded by moss.

The rocks are laid out in a way that you can see only 14 of them from any ground-level vantage point. When you attain Zen spiritual enlightenment, you'll see all 15 simultaneously.

Gravel

The white-pebbled gravel is meticulously raked daily to form harmonious straight and curved lines.

Dimensions

The bed of gravel measures 30 by 10 meters (99 by 33 feet).

Up close viewing

You sit on the edge of a wood-floor veranda that closely abuts the rock garden.

When not to come

The least desirable time is from mid-morning to mid-afternoon when tour-bus groups pack the veranda, destroying the serene ambiance you've come to experience. I also recommend avoiding weekends (especially in the summer) and holidays. Also, try to arrive soon after the Ryoan-ji Rock Garden opens in the morning or just before it closes in the late afternoon.

Temple

The rock garden is part of the Zen faith Ryoan-ji Temple. The complex includes a worth-exploring tatami-floored meditation hall and a large, attractive pond.

Location in Japan

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photo copyrighted JNTO

Japan National Tourism Office

 

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