- Address: 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8001, Japan
- Year of foundation: 1499
- Phone: +81 75-463-2216
In the ancient capital of Japan - Kyoto - is the famous Rehanji temple , where there is a garden of 15 stones or Kareksan (Garden fifteen stones or 龍 安 寺). This is a well-known cultural and aesthetic monument, which has important philosophical significance.
general information
The shrine has the second name: "Temple of the Resting Dragon" and was first mentioned in 983. The rock garden was laid by the famous master Soami in 1499. By the way, these boulders have not changed until our time.
In the XV - XVI century, there was a haven of Buddhist monks. They believed that a large cluster of rocks attracted the gods, so the stone symbolized something sacred. To get close to unearthly idols, the Japanese decorated their gardens with hard objects.
These were untreated boulders, extracted from volcanic rocks. They were selected in shape, color and size, so that they complement each other. There are 5 types of stones:
- curved;
- flat;
- recumbent;
- low vertical;
- a statue.
Description of sight
Boulders are located on a special rectangular area, covered with white gravel. It reaches 30 m in length and 10 - in width, on three sides it is enclosed by a low fence made of clay, and from the fourth there are benches for visitors.
Here the rocks are divided into 5 groups, 3 pieces each. Around the boulders only green moss grows. In the garden, using a rake make long grooves, which form circles around the main objects.
At first glance it seems that these rocks are chaotically scattered throughout the territory, but in fact it is not. Stone composition is a form of religious triad and is made according to clear rules according to the world concept of Zen Buddhism.
The surface of the garden means the ocean, and the stones themselves traditionally symbolize the islands. However, visitors can imagine other pictures for themselves. This is the main meaning of the sights: looking at the same thing, everyone sees something of their own.
The garden of stones in Japan is an ideal place for exclusion from everyday problems and worldly fuss, as well as for meditation and meditation. Visitors often note that here they have enlightenment in their thoughts, and they come to the solution of problems.
The Riddle of the Garden
The main highlight of the park is that visitors think that there are only 14 stones. From whatever place you look at the garden, you can see only this number of boulders, and one of them will always be blocked.
In the opinion of the abbots, the last, the 15th stone can only be seen by an enlightened man who will purify the soul of all that is superficial. During the excursion, many tourists try to solve this riddle and find the missing boulder. The whole composition can only be viewed from a bird's eye view.
The creator of the garden meant that the 15th stone each visitor would bring his own. This is the philosophical significance of human sin, from which it is worth to get rid of, so that it becomes easier on the soul. Thus, you will be able to comprehend yourself and purify yourself of the cargo.
Photos made in the famous Garden of stones in Japan, amaze your imagination with its unique beauty.
How to get there?
From the city center of Kyoto to the temple complex, you can get on municipal buses Nos. 15, 51 and 59, the journey takes up to 40 minutes. By car you will reach highway 187. The distance is about 8 km.
To get to the Garden of Stones in Kyoto, you need to go through the entire Reanji Temple. The best view of the landmark opens from the north side, where the sun will not blind the eyes.