Ryoan-ji
The most famous feature of Ryoan-ji Temple (龍安寺), which means “the Temple of the Dragon at Peace,” is the small garden composed of sand and rocks. It is considered one of the finest examples of “dry gardening” in Japan, but its origins are a bit of a mystery. It is commonly believed to have been first constructed in the last half of the fifteenth century, possibly 1499. Even which person designed it is disputed. However, despite this ambiguity, the garden itself with its 15 rocks surrounded by sand is a wonderful work. People contemplate the meaning of the rocks and their placement, as they are arranged so all fifteen can not be seen at once.
at Ryoan-ji Temple
The temple complex has other gardens and a large pond. The buildings themselves have been burned down several times since it was first founded in 1450. There are also seven emperors entombed in the mausoleum on the grounds. Ryoanji belongs to the Myoshin-ji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. It is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.
Bamboo fountain – Ryoanji
Hours are from 8 am to 5 pm, March through November, and 8:30 am to 4:30 pm December through February. The gardens are beautiful throughout the year, and are particularly notable for the autumn colors. The entrance feel is ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for children under 15 years old. Ryoan-ji can be reached from Kyoto Station on City Bus #50.The English on the official website is a bit cryptic, but there is information about hours, access, and history: http://www.ryoanji.jp/smph/eng/
photos by:
cristinabe &
alexbrn,
Stéfan
