What you'll hear inside Ryoan-ji Temple:

• 1
  Zen Rock Garden (Karesansui)

  This celebrated dry garden features 15 stones arranged in 5 groups upon meticulously raked white gravel, conceived as a space for zen meditation.

• 2
  Hōjō (Principal Hall)

  The abbot's residence, from whose veranda one can view the zen rock garden.

• 3
  Kyoyochi Pond

  A 12th-century water garden built as part of the Fujiwara estate, particularly striking in autumn.

• 4
  Tea House and Tea Garden

  A 17th-century tea house with its own garden, regarded as a cultural treasure of the temple.

• 5
  Tsukubai of Ryōan-ji

  A renowned stone basin carved with kanji inscriptions that form the zen message 'I know only satisfaction'.

• 6
  Seven Imperial Tombs

  A mausoleum housing the graves of seven Japanese emperors, restored during the nineteenth century at the behest of Emperor Meiji.

• 7
  Sanmon Gate

  Traditional temple gateway that marks the entrance to the sacred grounds.

• 8
  Butsuden

  The main Buddha hall of the temple, where Shaka Nyorai (Śākyamuni) is venerated.