While North West Kyoto's most glittering attraction is Kinkaku-ji, take some time to visit nearby Ryoan-ji.
Meaning "Dragon at Peace Temple" after a fabulous screen painting inside its largest hall and set in a large garden with a pond this temple's biggest claim to fame is that is is the home of Japan's most famous Zen Garden.
Sit in quite contemplation, consider the temple's mysterious past, or what meaning lies in the careful arrangement of the 15 rocks among the moss and maybe you too can bring peace to your inner dragons!
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Find out more about Ryoan-ji Temple.
