Ryoanji Temple Garden

A Zen temple founded in 1450 by Katsumoto Hosokawa, a powerful figure of the Muromachi Shogunate. Today, it is globally renowned for its karesansui (dry landscape) rock garden. Its rise to fame began in 1975 when Queen Elizabeth II officially visited Ryoanji and praised the rock garden. This, coupled with the Zen boom at the time, propelled it to worldwide recognition. The exact construction period, creator, and purpose of the rock garden remain unknown, adding to its enigmatic allure and sparking various speculations. Another highlight within the grounds is Kyoyochi Pond, famous for its water lilies that bloom from May to July.