Ryoan-ji Temple was built in 1450 and is most famous for its rock garden; fifteen stones carefully placed on a bed of raked white gravel. A viewing platform allows visitors to take in the scene, although from whatever angle you view the garden, you can never see all fifteen stones at once. No one knows when or who designed the garden, or what it signifies, and this mystery just adds to the garden’s allure.

After sitting in quiet contemplation, visitors can explore the temple’s extensive grounds which include larger gardens home to beautiful trees and moss, and the Kyoyo-chi Pond which looks particularly splendid in autumn.