Ryoanji Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto that is famous for its iconic rock garden. This garden uses rocks instead of plants and flowers. There is much scholarly discussion and philosophical debate about the deeper meaning of the Ryoanji rock garden, but little consensus what its intended meaning might have been. A number of commentators maintain that it is a representation of the universe or of Buddhist notions of reality. Whatever its meaning may be, it is a fact that is has served as an inspiration for generations of Japanese and international visitors. Ryoanji also has a traditional Japanese garden and tea house where visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet of the serene atmosphere.