Ryogen-in Temple is one of the sub-temples of Daitoku-ji Temple and is an old temple built in 1502.The Hojo (main hall), entrance, and front gate of Ryogen-in Temple are original structures and are the oldest buildings among the sub-temples of Daitoku-ji Temple.
The highlight of Ryogen-in Temple is, of course, its stone gardens. There are four different stone gardens here.The first is called Isshidan Garden, located on the south side of the Hojo (main hall). The white sand represents the ocean, and the moss and stones represent an island where immortals live.
The second is Ryogin-tei Garden, located on the north side of Hojo (main hall). This garden is said to date back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573). It is a dry landscape garden in which moss represents the ocean and stones represent the land.
The third garden is a small garden called Totekiko. This garden was created during the Showa period (1926-1989), but unlike the gardens located north and south of the Hojo (main hall), it is a small garden. In Japan, gardens like this are called Tsubo-niwa. Tsubo-niwa are small and narrow gardens created between buildings for the purpose of providing light and ventilation.
Where is the fourth one? It is easy to focus on the Hojo (main hall) garden, but this garden is located in a narrow space on the south side of the Shoin(study).It is called Kodatei. It is also known as the Aun no Sekitei(A-Un Stone Garden). This garden is also a Tsubo-niwa.The stones on the right and left sides of this garden are called A-Un Stones, and are said to be the remains of Juraku-dai, a phantom castle built by the former ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi（1537-1598）.
A dry landscape garden is an artistic garden that uses white sand to represent the sea and stones and moss to represent mountains and land. Taking time to appreciate such a garden will surely enhance the charm of your trip to Kyoto.
Ryogen-in Temple
82-1,Murasakino Daitokujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto.
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