This is the Zen Garden in Ryoan-ji. From the viewing platform you attempt to see all 15 stones, but only 14 (or fewer) are visible from any position. This fifteenth century garden has all sorts of tricks. The far wall isn't even close to level and gives you a sense of depth from the forced perspective. The trees behind the back wall all have seasonal version (Cherry blossums, or falls colors, evergreen or deciduous.). The garden runs roughly east to west and the viewing platform is on the north side so the shadows change over the course of the day.

Camera:	Nikon F100
Date:	Monday, October 21st, 2002
Film:	Fuji Velvia 50 (slide)
Lens:	28-70mm f/2.8 ED-IF AF-S Zoom-Nikkor
Photographer:	John Harvey
Tag:	zen, garden, Japan
Larger image:	2000 x 1333
Raw image:	3756 x 2504