Ryoan-ji Temple

Home to Japan's most famous Zen rock garden — 15 carefully placed stones on a rectangle of raked white gravel, designed so that at least one stone is always hidden from any viewing angle. The garden's meaning has been debated for centuries, making contemplation part of the experience. Beyond the rock garden, the temple grounds include a beautiful mirror pond (Kyoyochi), moss gardens, and a tsukubai water basin inscribed with a Zen riddle. A 15-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji, making it easy to combine both in a half-day itinerary.