The ultimate Zen essence of karesansui is embodied in Kyoto's Ryoanji Temple

Japanese architecture is deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism, especially evident in the art of garden design. Japanese gardens are often Zen-style, skillfully utilizing sand, stones, and moss to create karesansui landscapes. It can be said that the 'karesansui' garden landscaping art of Japanese gardens is an excellent representation of the Zen spirit. Ryoanji Temple is a temple of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect, located in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Founded in 1450, it is famous for its karesansui abbot's garden and has been designated as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. The stone garden of Ryoanji is a rectangular courtyard enclosed by low earthen walls, with a layer of fine white sand and gravel on the ground, combed with very neat ripples, and apart from a few stones, there is nothing else. — 'This is the best place to re-examine oneself.'