Ryoan-ji Temple & Garden, Kyoto: How to Visit and What to Do Nearby

Ryōan-ji Temple sits in the northwest of Kyoto, a Zen temple of the Myōshinji school best known for its karesansui dry rock garden—a 25-by-10-meter rectangle of raked white gravel containing 15 stones arranged in five groups. Regardless of the viewing angle from the veranda, at least one stone is always hidden from sight. The garden's designer and date of creation remain subjects of debate, though it is generally attributed to the late 15th century. The temple grounds also include a large pond garden dating to the 12th century and a stone water basin inscribed with a Zen riddle. is just one of many options in Kyoto. Major attractions worth considering include Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion), Katsura Imperial Villa (Katsura Rikyu), and Kennin-ji Temple.