Best Gardens in Kyoto
Many gardens in Japan offer mesmerizing views and tranquility. This article explores some of the gardens in Kyoto that are so unique you cannot even find similar ones in Japan. Kyoto contains Japan’s most unique and peaceful gardens. There are many gardens here, like Zen gardens built for peace of mind and other beautiful gardens designed for the temples and admiration.
Most of these gardens are located in Buddhist and Shinto temples and are sacred places built in the past for the monks to calm their minds and immerse them in nature. Because of their religious importance, these gardens have been kept extremely clean, and the same attitude is expected from whoever enters them, regardless of their nationality. Here are the most beautiful gardens in Kyoto you can enjoy visiting the famous Kyoto city which many foreign tourists belove.
Ginkaku-ji Temple
Ginkaku-ji Temple Garden means “Silver Pavilion” in English. This garden is one of the best traditional gardens in Kyoto as well as in Japan. The artist behind its creation is the famous Soami, and this pretty garden comes in different styles, like a dry sand garden as well as a moss garden. The dry sand garden, also called the ‘Sea of Silver Sand’, is really famous and features a cone of sand resembling the well-known Mount Fuji. The moss garden has small ponds with islands and bridges. This garden is best enjoyed if you walk inside its circular path.
Heian Jingu Shrine
Heian Jingu Shrine contains some of the most gorgeous gardens in Japan. These gardens are located at the back of the main shrine structure. The main garden represents the Heian Period really well and has a massive pond with a Chinese-style bridge. The red color design of the shrine is brilliant in all the seasons, especially with the cherry blossoms trees in springtime.
Tenryu-ji Temple in Susukinobaba-chō
You can find Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama in the western part of the city. This beautiful garden is one of the most famous places for Zen in Kyoto. The amazing garden here is coupled with the mountains of Arashiyama that appear as part of this garden and make the view like a painting. This garden has a circular pavement around Sogen Pond, and it is famous for being the Special Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan.
Ryoan-ji Temple located Northwest of The City
Ryoan-ji Temple is the world’s most well-known Japanese Zen gardens in Japan. You can find this place near Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto. This dry landscape garden is unlike any place you have been before, where there are rocks that look like a sea of pure white sand. The simple and small garden is really beautiful and the best time to visit here is in the morning.
Saiho-ji Temple Known as Moss Temple
Saiho-ji Temple is also famous as the ‘Moss Temple’ because of its moss-covered garden. The gardens here, like Sogen Pond, are famous for being the ‘Special Place of Scenic Beauty’ in the country. These complex gardens in Kyoto have 3 tea houses where you can enjoy the environment while drinking some tea. The entry, as well as visiting the tea houses, require you to book in advance.
If you are traveling to this beautiful country, it is worth taking a look at the best of Japan attractions as well. These attractions are scattered all over the country. Therefore, you need to travel by bus or train to some of them. However, it is worth the trip because of their eye-catching views.
