Japhy Ryder is a fictional character from the novel The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac. He is portrayed as a free-spirited and adventurous young man who embodies the ideals of the Beat Generation. Japhy is passionate about nature, poetry, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, often seeking solace in the mountains. In the story, Japhy serves as a mentor to the protagonist, Ray Smith, guiding him through experiences of self-discovery and exploration. His character is inspired by the real-life poet Gary Snyder, reflecting the themes of friendship, simplicity, and the quest for meaning in life.