The second time I visited Ryoan-ji. The first time was with my host family back in 2010 and the visit took not longer than 15 minutes. This time I took my time, made some sketches of the stones.
All the time between 2010 and now I thought the garden is over-hyped. But this visit changed my mind. Yes, there are way too many tourists and school groups coming through. But the stones really are magnificent, the arrangement really is fascinating and it captured me. Even in the middle of all the chaos around me I could relax and concentrate on sketching.
I would like to come again – maybe when no-one is around:
How Ryoan-ji should be experienced by everyone.
Sketch 2 of a group of stones on the right side. I got tired and tried to cheat a little – and it shows…
Sketch 1 of the group of stones on the left side of the garden
90 Days in Kyoto 
Hi Jenny
what is the guides explanation of how the garden came to be and relevancy of each stone setting and their relationship with each other…it’s probably the most photographed garden of them all……it’s so amazing i would love to know what is the story that gave it life.
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