⛩️ Ryōan-ji (Dragon Peace Temple)

Ryōan-ji is a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect, specifically the Myōshin-ji school, and is recognized as one of the "Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto," listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1450 (the 2nd year of the Hōtoku era), during the Muromachi period, the shogunate ruler Hosokawa Katsumoto took over the villa of the Tokudaiji family and, together with the fifth-generation Zen master Giten Genjō of Myōshin-ji, established the temple. It was later destroyed during the Ōnin War but was rebuilt through the efforts of Katsumoto's son, Hosokawa Masamoto, and the abbot of Myōshin-ji, Tokuho Zenketsu. It is said that the abbot's quarters and the rock garden were also constructed during this time. Ryōan-ji is famous for its rock garden, known as the "Hōjō Garden" (Historic Site, Special Place of Scenic Beauty), which is surrounded by walls on three sides. In 1975, during a visit by Queen Elizabeth II, she praised Ryōan-ji, and the garden's extreme abstract design became world-renowned. The arrangement of rocks consists of a total of 15 stones in the configuration of 5, 2, 3, 2, 3 from east to west, also known as the "753 Garden" or "Tora no Ko Watari Garden." No matter from which angle one views it, the miraculous arrangement of the 15 rocks cannot be fully seen at once. It is said to have been created by Soami, though the author and the year of construction remain unknown. The mystery surrounding it is one of the main reasons it attracts visitors. On the other hand, the garden featuring the Kyōyō Pool, which occupies half of the southern area, is also a noteworthy spot. It retains the style of a Heian period garden where nobles would enjoy boating. During the Edo period, Ryōan-ji was a famous location for viewing mandarin ducks, even more popular than the rock garden at that time. Visitors can enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons, but the beauty of the autumn foliage is particularly stunning, attracting many travelers for worship each year.

Queen Elizabeth II praised the world-renowned garden "Rock Garden." No matter from which angle you admire it, you cannot see all 15 rocks of the magical stone garden at once. It also features a strolling garden that gained early fame surpassing that of the Rock Garden.