Hi, I'm Kim from Doshisha university in Kyoto.
Today, I'm going to tell you about Ryoan-ji temple in Kyoto from the perspective of a Japanese student!!
Ryoanji-Temple
In the west side of Kyoto, there is a mysterious Zen temple that changes the figure each season. This temple is the proud of Kyoto and the world which place visited by Japanese and foreign visitors. Here is the Temple of the Dragon at Peace, Ryoan-ji.
Kyoyo-chi Pond
If you enter this temple at first time, you could find a huge pond. This pond, in Japanese “Kyoyo-chi Pond.” Kyoyo-chi Pond is also famous for Kyoto nobles set a boat afloat on this pond and enjoy the scenic views and arts in the olden days. Water lily and fall foliage are making a great spectacle in summer and fall each season. These are one of the attractive point that this temple have.
Hojo Garden - One of the most beautiful Japanese garden
After watching the view of pond and enter the Main Hall of temple, there is a Zen garden which arranged by karesansui method using white sands and 15 stones. In Japanese, “Hojo Garden.” This rock garden is designed by arrangement of stones so that when looking at the garden from every angle. At this time, you will only able to see 14 stones. We cannot know the designer and purpose from this garden in present day, but can assume the teaching of Zen thought.
Tsukubai
This is a wash basin(tsukubai in Japanese)locating at the inner part of Main Hall. Especially, the kanji written on the surface is the famous word in Japanese. “Ware tada taru wo shiru” means “I only sufficiency know,” represents the Zen teaching.
Visit Temples In Kyoto!
Besides the Ryoan-ji, Kyoto has many attractions sharing the Japanese history and culture. If you have enough time, can feel the atmosphere of Kyoto for sure. Please enjoy this town.
