Kyoto, Ryoanji

In the northern part of Kyoto, where the mountains begin, one can find one of the most famous zen rock gardens in Japan. Ryoanji. The stones are arranged in a way that, from whatever angle you look from, it is impossible to see all the stones at the same time. People sit on the steps of the temple and try to get in touch with them selves. To be in harmony with the nature is an important part of being Japanese. And when you reach higher levels of consciousness after your (rinzai?) zen meditation, you are supposed to see the last, invisible stone, with your now enlightened mind. There is a model of the rock garden inside the temple, so you can see all of the stones from above.

But Ryoanji is not only pieces of rock and gravel, it is also one of the obligatory stops on an autumn tour, when the colors change and visitors from all over Japan travel to Kyoto to the famous gardens and other locations.

Video clips

Ryoanji in autumn
Mp4 0:26min 2.9MB