Stunning autumn foliage at Tōfuku-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan, showcasing vibrant red and orange leaves.Culture

Ryōan-ji

龍安寺

Kita, Kyoto · 京都

The most famous karesansui garden in the world: a rectangle of raked gravel holding fifteen stones, arranged so that at least one is always hidden from view.

Why it’s worth it

Sit on the veranda and count. You will not get to fifteen from any position, and five hundred years of scholarship has not settled what it means.

CategoryCulture
AreaKita
Hours08:00–17:00
Typical spend¥
dry gardenfifteen rockszen

Nearby

Walking distance from Ryōan-ji

All of Kyoto

More culture

Shrines, palaces and quiet rooms

Photo by Dmitry Romanoff on Pexels