Find your calm: Best meditation spots in Kyoto
What's the story
Renowned for its cultural heritage and peaceful landscapes, Kyoto makes for an ideal meditative destination.
The city is home to some of the most tranquil rock gardens, which are perfect for meditation and quiet contemplation, and provide an escape from the mundane.
Each garden has a unique design and history to tell, welcoming visitors to explore its calm ambience.
Here are 5 such rock gardens in Kyoto.
Ryoan-ji
Ryoan-ji's iconic Zen garden
Ryoan-ji is probably Kyoto's most famous rock garden.
The minimalist design of the place, which features 15 rocks placed on white gravel, evokes a sense of simplicity and calmness.
The layout of the garden promotes contemplation as you attempt to see all the 15 rocks at once—a task rendered impossible by the clever design of the garden.
This iconic site is perfect for anyone looking for a moment of peace amidst nature.
Daitoku-ji
Daitoku-ji's tranquil ambiance
The complex is essentially a huge stretch with a number of sub-areas, each with its own distinctive rock arrangement.
The arrangements here are famous for their beautiful patterns and calm surroundings, making them ideal places for some introspection.
Visitors can stroll around the area, exploring different styles of rock arrangements that embody different philosophies.
Tofuku-ji
Tofuku-ji's unique checkerboard pattern
Tofuku-ji stands out with its unique checkerboard pattern made from moss and stones.
The innovative design provides a contemporary take on classic Zen gardens but without losing the tranquil quality.
The contrast of lush green moss and stark stones is mindful of the introspection as visitors behold how beautifully the two elements harmonize with this unusual arrangement.
Nanzen-ji
Nanzen-ji's expansive grounds
Nanzen-ji also has sprawling grounds, which has several stunning rock gardens meant for meditation and contemplation.
The Hojo Garden within Nanzen-ji is particularly famous for its elegant simplicity. It has meticulously placed rocks surrounded by raked gravel patterns reminiscent of flowing water or waves crashing against shorelines.
Tenryu-ji
Tenryu-ji's scenic beauty
Tenryu-Ji combines scenic beauty with historical significance as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kyoto since 1994. It is part of Shogun Ashikaga Takauiji's legacy during the Muromachi period (1336-1573).
Its Sogenchi Teien offers amazing views over the Arashiyama mountains. Apart from perfectly arranged stones, set against the lush greenery, there is enough space to meditate peacefully.
One can enjoy the natural splendor around here too!