Comment Section for Gardens of Stone, Moss, Sand: 4 Moments of Zen in Kyoto - The New York Times

This New York Times article, titled "Gardens of Stone, Moss, Sand: 4 Moments of Zen in Kyoto," offers an immersive exploration of Kyoto's evolving dry gardens, which are serene spaces designed for quiet contemplation. The piece discusses four notable gardens: Zuiho-in, Honen-in, Tofuku-ji, and the Ukifune Garden at the newly opened Genji Kyoto hotel. Zuiho-in's dry garden was redesigned in the 1960s by Mirei Shigemori, who revolutionized garden aesthetics by combining traditional Japanese arts with Modernist influences. The garden features gravel swirls that resemble choppy sea waves and a cross-shaped rock formation that reflects the Christian beliefs of the feudal lord who dedicated the temple. Honen-in, located along the Philosopher’s Walk, is known for its grand staircase and entry gate framed by red Japanese maple trees. The garden, designed by American landscape architect Marc Peter Keane, features a "river" of pure carbon charcoal that symbolizes the carbon cycle, demonstrating the constant flux of nature. Tofuku-ji's garden was designed by Mirei Shigemori in 1939 and features a checkerboard field of paving stones embedded in moss and a rock formation that recreates the Big Dipper constellation. The Ukifune Garden at the Genji Kyoto hotel, also designed by Marc Peter Keane, is an allegorical interpretation of a chapter from "The Tale of Genji." It features a "river" of grey stones set on edge, maple trees, ferns, and a boat-shaped stone carrying a moss patch, symbolizing Earth drifting through the galaxy. The article ends with practical information about visiting these gardens, including ticket prices and local dining options.