Kyoto, the heart of Japan’s cultural heritage, is renowned for its exquisite Zen gardens, often referred to as a “dry landscape garden” or “karesansui.” These enchanting landscapes, composed of carefully arranged gravel or sand, rocks and sometimes moss or bushes, are best experienced first-hand.
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Ryoanji Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ryoanji Temple is perhaps the nation’s most famous Zen garden and easy to reach for those staying at a city centre hotel in Kyoto, Japan. Its minimalist design features 15 carefully placed rocks on patches of moss amidst a bed of raked gravel, surrounded by a rectangular stone wall. The absence of clear symbolism invites visitors to contemplate and find their own meaning within this serene space.
Kenninji Temple
Located near Gion, Kenninji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and is also home to one of the most striking Zen gardens. At this site, within easy reach of Park Hotel Kyoto, you will find the “○△□ Garden”, an expression that all things in the universe could be represented by a circle, triangle or square; here, you will find a single tree in a circle of moss set amidst raked white gravel that combines to create a soothing setting.
Tofukuji Temple
Tofukuji Temple is home to four stunning gardens designed by Mirei Shigemori, surrounding the priest’s living quarters (Hojo), each offering something different to view. For example, the eastern garden features seven cylindrical stones set amidst moss that represents the Big Dipper constellation (Ursa Major); meanwhile, the southern garden has jagged rocks that represent heavenly islands surrounded by gravel with circular patterns.
Konchi-in Temple
Situated near the well-known Nanzen-ji Temple, the often-overlooked Konchi-in Temple offers a peaceful escape from the crowds. This site’s allure is further enhanced by its Zen garden that combines the principles of “borrowed scenery” or “shakkei”, the design seamlessly blending with the hills in the background. Head to the main hall’s veranda to view the garden’s Crane and Turtle Islands amidst carefully placed rocks, shrubs and gravel.
