Sep 25, 2014 - 1 min read

The Rock Garden of Ryoan-ji Temple

Lose yourself in this dry landscape of rocks and sand

By Masayoshi Hirose

Community writer

Translated by Takako Sakamoto

Community writer

It appears as though fifteen rocks are just casually placed here and there, but whatever spot you look at these rocks from, one rock out of fifteen cannot be seen

Brushwork paintings of 'Garyo-bai (Japanese plum tree in the shape of a lying dragon)' on the sliding doors of the Hojo building

Internationally renowned rock garden was even praised by Queen Elizabeth II

Spacious rooms of the Hojo building...it was hard to resist the temptation of lying spread-eagled on the floor

North-side corridor of the Hojo building was well-polished and shining

This garden is located in front of Buddha Hall, on the right side of the Hojo building

On the old coin shaped 'Tsukubai (water purification basin)', a Zen maxim is carved

Enjoy the casual walk up to the Kuri building (administration office). Wide stone steps are shaded by green trees, and a cool breeze caresses your face

This snow-covered rock garden is a rare sight to behold. Although most of the rocks are buried and cannot be seen, they are nonetheless beautiful. It was landscaped by So-ami allegedly, but the truth is unknown

Sliding door painting of 'Gunsen-zu (sages)', which is said to have been painted by Kano Takanobu of the Kano School

Folding screen at the doorway of the Kuri building. A Chinese poem was calligraphed by Teranishi Kenzan on it

When Queen Elizabeth II visited Japan in 1975, she marveled at the beauty of this Hojo Garden, which is commonly known just as 'Rock Garden'. It is indeed a simple garden, in which white sand is spread, and on it fifteen rocks are arranged into five islands and are casually scattered about, in a small space of twenty-two by ten meters. I visited this temple in June, this year.

In eastern countries, the number '15' signifies 'Full Moon Night', which indicates perfection. In this garden, only fourteen rocks can be seen out of fifteen rocks, which insinuates imperfection. There is a thinking in Japan that 'things begin to decay as soon as they are completed.', and it is said that the garden was deliberately left uncompleted. However, there is one place, from the center of a certain room, where all fifteen rocks can be visible. Come check it out with your own eyes! Ryoan-ji Temple Series 1. Ryoanji: Temple of Dragon at Peace 2. The Rock Garden of Ryoan-ji Temple