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  • Amida-do is a temple for holding memorial services for ancestors of the deceased with services held daily.  Amida-do is a part of Enryakuji - Enryaku-ji is located on Mount Hiei, overlooking Kyoto, and is the headquarters of the Tendai sect.  Founded during the early Heian period, it is one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history.  Enryaku-ji is imbued with a solemn atmosphere as a place of training and the home of the "marathon monks.”   Enryaku-ji is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”
    amidado-enryakuji-2.jpg
  • 22.1 Enryakuji Marathon Monks 回峰行 Monks 'circling the mountain’ is a tradition at Mt Hiei and Enryakuji and goes back to the practice of the warrior monks of old.  Enryakuji has always been known for its esoteric and austere mountain practices. Devotion and selflessness are what’s important in the Tendai Sect of Buddhist and it is thought that this can be achieved by circling the mountain on foot as the ultimate expression of devotion. These practices include a twelve year course of circling Mt Heiei before dawn, and finally fasting for ten days without water or sleep.  Very few monks have ever completed this goal in the temple's history, yet many still make the attempt.
    22..KYOTO-ENRYAKUJI-03.jpg
  • Amida-do is a temple for holding memorial services for ancestors of the deceased with services held daily.  Amida-do is a part of Enryakuji - Enryaku-ji is located on Mount Hiei, overlooking Kyoto, and is the headquarters of the Tendai sect.  Founded during the early Heian period, it is one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history.  Enryaku-ji is imbued with a solemn atmosphere as a place of training and the home of the "marathon monks.”   Enryaku-ji is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”
    amidado-enryakuji-3.jpg
  • Amida-do is a temple for holding memorial services for ancestors of the deceased with services held daily.  Amida-do is a part of Enryakuji - Enryaku-ji is located on Mount Hiei, overlooking Kyoto, and is the headquarters of the Tendai sect.  Founded during the early Heian period, it is one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history.  Enryaku-ji is imbued with a solemn atmosphere as a place of training and the home of the "marathon monks.”   Enryaku-ji is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”
    amidado-enryakuji-1.jpg
  • Ninai-do is made up of two temples: Hokke-do and Jogyo-do with the same shape and connected by a corridor. Enryaku-ji is located on Mount Hiei, overlooking Kyoto, and is the headquarters of the Tendai sect.  Founded during the early Heian period, it is one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history.  Enryaku-ji is imbued with a solemn atmosphere as a place of training and the home of the "marathon monks.”   Enryaku-ji is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”
    jogyo-do-hokke-do-5.jpg
  • Ninai-do is made up of two temples: Hokke-do and Jogyo-do with the same shape and connected by a corridor. Enryaku-ji is located on Mount Hiei, overlooking Kyoto, and is the headquarters of the Tendai sect.  Founded during the early Heian period, it is one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history.  Enryaku-ji is imbued with a solemn atmosphere as a place of training and the home of the "marathon monks.”   Enryaku-ji is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”
    jogyo-do-hokke-do-3.jpg
  • Ninai-do is made up of two temples: Hokke-do and Jogyo-do with the same shape and connected by a corridor. Enryaku-ji is located on Mount Hiei, overlooking Kyoto, and is the headquarters of the Tendai sect.  Founded during the early Heian period, it is one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history.  Enryaku-ji is imbued with a solemn atmosphere as a place of training and the home of the "marathon monks.”   Enryaku-ji is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”
    jogyo-do-hokke-do-1.jpg
  • Enryaku-ji is located on Mount Hiei, overlooking Kyoto, and is the headquarters of the Tendai sect.  Founded during the early Heian period, it is one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history.  Enryaku-ji is imbued with a solemn atmosphere as a place of training and the home of the "marathon monks.”   Enryaku-ji is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”
    enryakuji-monks-1.jpg
  • 22. Enryaku-ji 延暦寺 is located on Mount Hiei hovering over Kyoto.  It is the head-quarters of the Tendai sect of Buddhism.  Founded during the early Heian period, it was once one of the largest monasteries in the world.  At its peak, Enryakuji had as many as 3000 sub-temples in its domain and a powerful army of warrior monks who engaged in power struggles with other monasteries and political leaders that eventually brought about its demise of power.  Enryaku-ji is imbued with a solemn atmosphere as a place of training and as the home of the ‘marathon monks’.
    22.KYOTO-ENRYAKUJI-01.jpg
  • Ninai-do is made up of two temples: Hokke-do and Jogyo-do with the same shape and connected by a corridor. Enryaku-ji is located on Mount Hiei, overlooking Kyoto, and is the headquarters of the Tendai sect.  Founded during the early Heian period, it is one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history.  Enryaku-ji is imbued with a solemn atmosphere as a place of training and the home of the "marathon monks.”   Enryaku-ji is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”
    jogyo-do-hokke-do-2.jpg
  • Dai Ko-Do, is for academic training for monks, and where lectures on Buddhism are held.  Enryaku-ji is located on Mount Hiei, overlooking Kyoto, and is the headquarters of the Tendai sect.  Founded during the early Heian period, it is one of the most important monasteries in Japanese history.  Enryaku-ji is imbued with a solemn atmosphere as a place of training and the home of the "marathon monks.”   Enryaku-ji is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”
    daikodo-enryakuji-1.jpg
  • Rozan-ji temple was originally built in 938 on Mt Hiei, in the northern hills of Kyoto, and moved to its present location in 1571. Lady Murasaki wrote this classic masterpiece of Japanese literature while she lived here, thereby giving a certain historical feeling to the temple. The Tale of Genji is sometimes considered the world's first novel.  The original mansion where the book was written is long gone. Today Rozan-ji occupies those grounds. The temple garden is unique in its use of of its moss islands.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-88.jpg
  • Entsuji was originally a villa built in 1639 by emperor Go Mino. It was later converted to a temple, like many villas belonging to emperors, poets, writers, painters, daimyos and other important people.  Their purpose usually meant nice gardens and low rise buildings. <br />
The garden of Entsu-ji has a few unique points.  It is surrounded by hedge, though the garden is partially open and includes the surrounding landscape in its composition, particularly Mt Hiei which can be seen in the distance.  Several pine trees are growing along the hedge, splitting the "borrowed" landscape of Mt Hiei and giving it a bit of extra texture.  The garden itself is covered in moss and groups of stones.  Flowering plants are also placed here and there, mostly rhododendrons.
    entsuji-7.jpg
  • Entsuji was originally a villa built in 1639 by emperor Go Mino. It was later converted to a temple, like many villas belonging to emperors, poets, writers, painters, daimyos and other important people.  Their purpose usually meant nice gardens and low rise buildings. <br />
The garden of Entsu-ji has a few unique points.  It is surrounded by hedge, though the garden is partially open and includes the surrounding landscape in its composition, particularly Mt Hiei which can be seen in the distance.  Several pine trees are growing along the hedge, splitting the "borrowed" landscape of Mt Hiei and giving it a bit of extra texture.  The garden itself is covered in moss and groups of stones.  Flowering plants are also placed here and there, mostly rhododendrons.
    entsuji-1.jpg
  • Entsu-ji Gate - Entsuji was originally a villa built in 1639 by emperor Go Mino. It was later converted to a temple, like many villas belonging to emperors, poets, writers, painters, daimyos and other important people.  Their purpose usually meant nice gardens and low rise buildings. <br />
The garden of Entsu-ji has a few unique points.  It is surrounded by hedge, though the garden is partially open and includes the surrounding landscape in its composition, particularly Mt Hiei which can be seen in the distance.  Several pine trees are growing along the hedge, splitting the "borrowed" landscape of Mt Hiei and giving it a bit of extra texture.  The garden itself is covered in moss and groups of stones.  Flowering plants are also placed here and there, mostly rhododendrons.
    entsuji-4.jpg
  • Entsuji was originally a villa built in 1639 by emperor Go Mino. It was later converted to a temple, like many villas belonging to emperors, poets, writers, painters, daimyos and other important people.  Their purpose usually meant nice gardens and low rise buildings. <br />
The garden of Entsu-ji has a few unique points.  It is surrounded by hedge, though the garden is partially open and includes the surrounding landscape in its composition, particularly Mt Hiei which can be seen in the distance.  Several pine trees are growing along the hedge, splitting the "borrowed" landscape of Mt Hiei and giving it a bit of extra texture.  The garden itself is covered in moss and groups of stones.  Flowering plants are also placed here and there, mostly rhododendrons.
    entsuji-2.jpg
  • Entsuji was originally a villa built in 1639 by emperor Go Mino. It was later converted to a temple, like many villas belonging to emperors, poets, writers, painters, daimyos and other important people.  Their purpose usually meant nice gardens and low rise buildings. <br />
The garden of Entsu-ji has a few unique points.  It is surrounded by hedge, though the garden is partially open and includes the surrounding landscape in its composition, particularly Mt Hiei which can be seen in the distance.  Several pine trees are growing along the hedge, splitting the "borrowed" landscape of Mt Hiei and giving it a bit of extra texture.  The garden itself is covered in moss and groups of stones.  Flowering plants are also placed here and there, mostly rhododendrons.
    entsuji-6.jpg
  • Entsuji was originally a villa built in 1639 by emperor Go Mino. It was later converted to a temple, like many villas belonging to emperors, poets, writers, painters, daimyos and other important people.  Their purpose usually meant nice gardens and low rise buildings. <br />
The garden of Entsu-ji has a few unique points.  It is surrounded by hedge, though the garden is partially open and includes the surrounding landscape in its composition, particularly Mt Hiei which can be seen in the distance.  Several pine trees are growing along the hedge, splitting the "borrowed" landscape of Mt Hiei and giving it a bit of extra texture.  The garden itself is covered in moss and groups of stones.  Flowering plants are also placed here and there, mostly rhododendrons.
    entsuji-5.jpg
  • Entsuji was originally a villa built in 1639 by emperor Go Mino. It was later converted to a temple, like many villas belonging to emperors, poets, writers, painters, daimyos and other important people.  Their purpose usually meant nice gardens and low rise buildings. <br />
The garden of Entsu-ji has a few unique points.  It is surrounded by hedge, though the garden is partially open and includes the surrounding landscape in its composition, particularly Mt Hiei which can be seen in the distance.  Several pine trees are growing along the hedge, splitting the "borrowed" landscape of Mt Hiei and giving it a bit of extra texture.  The garden itself is covered in moss and groups of stones.  Flowering plants are also placed here and there, mostly rhododendrons.
    entsuji-3.jpg
  • Anrakuji Garden - Muso Soseki worked on Anrakuji Garden during the Kamakura / Muromachi period but then the garden and temple were devastated by the battle of Anekawa, and the current garden was prepared and rebuilt based on the remains of the garden during the Ii family's era.  In the mountain water strolling style Tsuru Kame Garden by a pond that imitates Lake Biwa, you can see Mt. Ibuki on the left side and the mountain range of Mt. Hira and Mt. Hiei on the west side of Lake Biwa.
    anrakuji-2.jpg
  • Nirvana Shakkei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-shakkei-garden-3.jpg
  • Rozan-ji temple was originally built in 938 on Mt Hiei, in the northern hills of Kyoto, and moved to its present location in 1571. Lady Murasaki wrote this classic masterpiece of Japanese literature while she lived here, thereby giving a certain historical feeling to the temple. The Tale of Genji is sometimes considered the world's first novel.  The original mansion where the book was written is long gone. Today Rozan-ji occupies those grounds. The temple garden is unique in its use of of its moss islands and flowers.
    rosanji-06.jpg
  • Rozan-ji temple was originally built in 938 on Mt Hiei, in the northern hills of Kyoto, and moved to its present location in 1571. Lady Murasaki wrote this classic masterpiece of Japanese literature while she lived here, thereby giving a certain historical feeling to the temple. The Tale of Genji is sometimes considered the world's first novel.  The original mansion where the book was written is long gone. Today Rozan-ji occupies those grounds. The temple garden is unique in its use of of its moss islands.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-140.jpg
  • Anrakuji Garden - Muso Soseki worked on Anrakuji Garden during the Kamakura / Muromachi period but then the garden and temple were devastated by the battle of Anekawa, and the current garden was prepared and rebuilt based on the remains of the garden during the Ii family's era.  In the mountain water strolling style Tsuru Kame Garden by a pond that imitates Lake Biwa, you can see Mt. Ibuki on the left side and the mountain range of Mt. Hira and Mt. Hiei on the west side of Lake Biwa.
    anrakuji-1.jpg
  • Mirei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-mirei-garden-2.jpg
  • Shinnyo-do was founded in 984 by priest Kaisan to enshrine a statue of Buddha of Paradise. The temple became famous as a training centre where one can practice the "Fudan Nenbutsu", a prayer to Buddha that lasts all day without any pause, a tradition evolved into "O-juja" a 10 day chanting prayer that is still performed every year.  Many famous people and families are buried in the temple.  Leaving the main hall, a covered path leads to two gardens.   The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the borrowed andscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its geometrical pattern is similar in design to his father Shigemori Mirei works at Tofuku-ji and elsewhere.
    December-8.jpg
  • Shinnyo-do was founded in 984 by priest Kaisan to enshrine a statue of Buddha of Paradise. The temple became famous as a training centre where one can practice the "Fudan Nenbutsu", a prayer to Buddha that lasts all day without any pause, a tradition evolved into "O-juja" a 10 day chanting prayer that is still performed every year.  Many famous people and families are buried in the temple.  Leaving the main hall, a covered path leads to two gardens.   The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the borrowed andscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its geometrical pattern is similar in design to his father Shigemori Mirei works at Tofuku-ji and elsewhere.
    shinnyo-do-7.jpg
  • Rozan-ji temple was originally built in 938 on Mt Hiei, in the northern hills of Kyoto, and moved to its present location in 1571. Lady Murasaki wrote this classic masterpiece of Japanese literature while she lived here, thereby giving a certain historical feeling to the temple. The Tale of Genji is sometimes considered the world's first novel.  The original mansion where the book was written is long gone. Today Rozan-ji occupies those grounds. The temple garden is unique in its use of of its moss islands and flowers.
    rosanji-04.jpg
  • Mitsui Shimogamo Villa is a fine example of a classical residence of the Taisho era. The entrance is composed in the shoin-zukuri style and the main building has a tower on the third floor with views of the Kamo River, Higashiyama Hills and Mt Hiei. The garden contains a central pond in the shape of a gourd, a tea ceremony hut, and a moss garden adorned with a stone bridge that crosses the pond, stepping stones, stone lanterns, artificial hills and large stones punctuating the rest of the space. The villa was built by Hachiroemon Takamine, the head of the Mitsui clan, in 1925 for relatives visiting Shimogamo Shrine. Thanks to its well preserved condition, the villa was desiginated as an important cultural property of Japan. The Omoya main building whose biggest feature is the Boro watch tower is built within the beatiful garden, showing off the prosperity of the merchant in the old days. The Mitsui clan were a powerful business family that began trading during the Edo period and rose to become the richest family in Japan. Now the villa and gardens are open to the public.
    old-mitsui-2.jpg
  • Shinnyo-do was founded in 984 by priest Kaisan to enshrine a statue of Buddha of Paradise. The temple became famous as a training centre where one can practice the "Fudan Nenbutsu", a prayer to Buddha that lasts all day without any pause, a tradition evolved into "O-juja" a 10 day chanting prayer that is still performed every year.  Many famous people and families are buried in the temple.  Leaving the main hall, a covered path leads to two gardens.   The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the borrowed andscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its geometrical pattern is similar in design to his father Shigemori Mirei works at Tofuku-ji and elsewhere.
    shinnyo-do-9.jpg
  • Shinnyo-do was founded in 984 by priest Kaisan to enshrine a statue of Buddha of Paradise. The temple became famous as a training centre where one can practice the "Fudan Nenbutsu", a prayer to Buddha that lasts all day without any pause, a tradition evolved into "O-juja" a 10 day chanting prayer that is still performed every year.  Many famous people and families are buried in the temple.  Leaving the main hall, a covered path leads to two gardens.   The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the borrowed andscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its geometrical pattern is similar in design to his father Shigemori Mirei works at Tofuku-ji and elsewhere.
    shinnyo-do-3.jpg
  • Shinnyo-do was founded in 984 by priest Kaisan to enshrine a statue of Buddha of Paradise. The temple became famous as a training centre where one can practice the "Fudan Nenbutsu", a prayer to Buddha that lasts all day without any pause, a tradition evolved into "O-juja" a 10 day chanting prayer that is still performed every year.  Many famous people and families are buried in the temple.  Leaving the main hall, a covered path leads to two gardens.   The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the borrowed andscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its geometrical pattern is similar in design to his father Shigemori Mirei works at Tofuku-ji and elsewhere.
    shinnyo-do-2.jpg
  • Rozan-ji temple was originally built in 938 on Mt Hiei, in the northern hills of Kyoto, and moved to its present location in 1571. Lady Murasaki wrote this classic masterpiece of Japanese literature while she lived here, thereby giving a certain historical feeling to the temple. The Tale of Genji is sometimes considered the world's first novel.  The original mansion where the book was written is long gone. Today Rozan-ji occupies those grounds. The temple garden is unique in its use of of its moss islands and flowers.
    rosanji-01.jpg
  • Shoden-ji main attraction of the temple is a Karesansui garden, ideally to be viewed from the deck of the temple’s Hojo.  The garden is said to have been laid out by Kobori Enshu. In 1935 Shigemori Mirei had to restore it.  Its unique dry garden makes use of "borrowed scenery" in which the distant Mt. Hiei serves as one of the garden's main elements.
    shodenji-1.jpg
  • Shinnyo-do was founded in 984 by priest Kaisan to enshrine a statue of Buddha of Paradise. The temple became famous as a training centre where one can practice the "Fudan Nenbutsu", a prayer to Buddha that lasts all day without any pause, a tradition evolved into "O-juja" a 10 day chanting prayer that is still performed every year.  Many famous people and families are buried in the temple.  Leaving the main hall, a covered path leads to two gardens.   The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the borrowed andscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its geometrical pattern is similar in design to his father Shigemori Mirei works at Tofuku-ji and elsewhere.
    shinnyo-do-6.jpg
  • Tea Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-tea-garden-1.jpg
  • Shoden-ji - the main attraction of the temple is its Karesansui garden  ideally viewed from the deck of the temple’s Hojo.  The garden is said to have been laid out by Kobori Enshu. Its unique dry garden makes use of "borrowed scenery" in which the distant Mt. Hiei serves as one of the garden's main elements and backdrops.
    shodenji-2.jpg
  • Nirvana Shakkei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-shakkei-garden-2.jpg
  • Shoden-ji main attraction of the temple is a Karesansui garden, ideally to be viewed from the deck of the temple’s Hojo.  The garden is said to have been laid out by Kobori Enshu. In 1935 Shigemori Mirei had to restore it.  Its unique dry garden makes use of "borrowed scenery" in which the distant Mt. Hiei serves as one of the garden's main elements.
    shodenji-3.jpg
  • Rozan-ji temple was originally built in 938 on Mt Hiei, in the northern hills of Kyoto, and moved to its present location in 1571. Lady Murasaki wrote this classic masterpiece of Japanese literature while she lived here, thereby giving a certain historical feeling to the temple. The Tale of Genji is sometimes considered the world's first novel.  The original mansion where the book was written is long gone. Today Rozan-ji occupies those grounds. The temple garden is unique in its use of of its moss islands and flowers.
    rosanji-09.jpg
  • Mitsui Shimogamo Villa is a fine example of a classical residence of the Taisho era. The entrance is composed in the shoin-zukuri style and the main building has a tower on the third floor with views of the Kamo River, Higashiyama Hills and Mt Hiei. The garden contains a central pond in the shape of a gourd, a tea ceremony hut, and a moss garden adorned with a stone bridge that crosses the pond, stepping stones, stone lanterns, artificial hills and large stones punctuating the rest of the space. The villa was built by Hachiroemon Takamine, the head of the Mitsui clan, in 1925 for relatives visiting Shimogamo Shrine. Thanks to its well preserved condition, the villa was desiginated as an important cultural property of Japan. The Omoya main building whose biggest feature is the Boro watch tower is built within the beatiful garden, showing off the prosperity of the merchant in the old days. The Mitsui clan were a powerful business family that began trading during the Edo period and rose to become the richest family in Japan. Now the villa and gardens are open to the public.
    old-mitsui-4.jpg
  • Mirei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-mirei-garden-5.jpg
  • Shinnyo-do was founded in 984 by priest Kaisan to enshrine a statue of Buddha of Paradise. The temple became famous as a training centre where one can practice the "Fudan Nenbutsu", a prayer to Buddha that lasts all day without any pause, a tradition evolved into "O-juja" a 10 day chanting prayer that is still performed every year.  Many famous people and families are buried in the temple.  Leaving the main hall, a covered path leads to two gardens.   The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the borrowed andscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its geometrical pattern is similar in design to his father Shigemori Mirei works at Tofuku-ji and elsewhere.
    shinnyo-do-4.jpg
  • Nirvana Shakkei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-shakkei-garden-1.jpg
  • Mirei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-mirei-garden-4.jpg
  • Mirei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-mirei-garden-1.jpg
  • Rozan-ji temple was originally built in 938 on Mt Hiei, in the northern hills of Kyoto, and moved to its present location in 1571. Lady Murasaki wrote this classic masterpiece of Japanese literature while she lived here, thereby giving a certain historical feeling to the temple. The Tale of Genji is sometimes considered the world's first novel.  The original mansion where the book was written is long gone. Today Rozan-ji occupies those grounds. The temple garden is unique in its use of of its moss islands and flowers.
    rosanji-07.jpg
  • Rozan-ji temple was originally built in 938 on Mt Hiei, in the northern hills of Kyoto, and moved to its present location in 1571. Lady Murasaki wrote this classic masterpiece of Japanese literature while she lived here, thereby giving a certain historical feeling to the temple. The Tale of Genji is sometimes considered the world's first novel.  The original mansion where the book was written is long gone. Today Rozan-ji occupies those grounds. The temple garden is unique in its use of of its moss islands and flowers.
    rosanji-05.jpg
  • Mirei Garden at Shinnyodo -  Three gardens are to be found at <br />
Shinnyodo Temple.  The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the shakkei borrowed landscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its modern geometrical style is similar in design to his father renowned landscape architect and garden designer Shigemori Mirei. The third is a small tea garden, with its own tea ceremony hut.
    shinnyodo-mirei-garden-3.jpg
  • Shinnyo-do was founded in 984 by priest Kaisan to enshrine a statue of Buddha of Paradise. The temple became famous as a training centre where one can practice the "Fudan Nenbutsu", a prayer to Buddha that lasts all day without any pause, a tradition evolved into "O-juja" a 10 day chanting prayer that is still performed every year.  Many famous people and families are buried in the temple.  Leaving the main hall, a covered path leads to two gardens.   The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the borrowed andscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its geometrical pattern is similar in design to his father Shigemori Mirei works at Tofuku-ji and elsewhere.
    shinnyo-do-1.jpg
  • Mitsui Shimogamo Villa is a fine example of a classical residence of the Taisho era. The entrance is composed in the shoin-zukuri style and the main building has a tower on the third floor with views of the Kamo River, Higashiyama Hills and Mt Hiei. The garden contains a central pond in the shape of a gourd, a tea ceremony hut, and a moss garden adorned with a stone bridge that crosses the pond, stepping stones, stone lanterns, artificial hills and large stones punctuating the rest of the space. The villa was built by Hachiroemon Takamine, the head of the Mitsui clan, in 1925 for relatives visiting Shimogamo Shrine. Thanks to its well preserved condition, the villa was desiginated as an important cultural property of Japan. The Omoya main building whose biggest feature is the Boro watch tower is built within the beatiful garden, showing off the prosperity of the merchant in the old days. The Mitsui clan were a powerful business family that began trading during the Edo period and rose to become the richest family in Japan. Now the villa and gardens are open to the public.
    old-mitsui-5.jpg
  • Mitsui Shimogamo Villa is a fine example of a classical residence of the Taisho era. The entrance is composed in the shoin-zukuri style and the main building has a tower on the third floor with views of the Kamo River, Higashiyama Hills and Mt Hiei. The garden contains a central pond in the shape of a gourd, a tea ceremony hut, and a moss garden adorned with a stone bridge that crosses the pond, stepping stones, stone lanterns, artificial hills and large stones punctuating the rest of the space. The villa was built by Hachiroemon Takamine, the head of the Mitsui clan, in 1925 for relatives visiting Shimogamo Shrine. Thanks to its well preserved condition, the villa was desiginated as an important cultural property of Japan. The Omoya main building whose biggest feature is the Boro watch tower is built within the beatiful garden, showing off the prosperity of the merchant in the old days. The Mitsui clan were a powerful business family that began trading during the Edo period and rose to become the richest family in Japan. Now the villa and gardens are open to the public.
    old-mitsui-3.jpg
  • Shinnyo-do was founded in 984 by priest Kaisan to enshrine a statue of Buddha of Paradise. The temple became famous as a training centre where one can practice the "Fudan Nenbutsu", a prayer to Buddha that lasts all day without any pause, a tradition evolved into "O-juja" a 10 day chanting prayer that is still performed every year.  Many famous people and families are buried in the temple.  Leaving the main hall, a covered path leads to two gardens.   The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the borrowed andscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its geometrical pattern is similar in design to his father Shigemori Mirei works at Tofuku-ji and elsewhere.
    shinnyo-do-8.jpg
  • Shinnyo-do was founded in 984 by priest Kaisan to enshrine a statue of Buddha of Paradise. The temple became famous as a training centre where one can practice the "Fudan Nenbutsu", a prayer to Buddha that lasts all day without any pause, a tradition evolved into "O-juja" a 10 day chanting prayer that is still performed every year.  Many famous people and families are buried in the temple.  Leaving the main hall, a covered path leads to two gardens.   The first is the Nehan "Nirvana" garden and was built in the classic karesansui rock garden style in 1988. It uses the borrowed andscape technique to include Mt. Hiei in its design. The second garden was designed by Shigemori Chisao - Its geometrical pattern is similar in design to his father Shigemori Mirei works at Tofuku-ji and elsewhere.
    shinnyo-do-5.jpg
  • Rozan-ji temple was originally built in 938 on Mt Hiei, in the northern hills of Kyoto, and moved to its present location in 1571. Lady Murasaki wrote this classic masterpiece of Japanese literature while she lived here, thereby giving a certain historical feeling to the temple. The Tale of Genji is sometimes considered the world's first novel.  The original mansion where the book was written is long gone. Today Rozan-ji occupies those grounds. The temple garden is unique in its use of of its moss islands and flowers.
    rosanji-10.jpg
  • Mitsui Shimogamo Villa is a fine example of a classical residence of the Taisho era. The entrance is composed in the shoin-zukuri style and the main building has a tower on the third floor with views of the Kamo River, Higashiyama Hills and Mt Hiei. The garden contains a central pond in the shape of a gourd, a tea ceremony hut, and a moss garden adorned with a stone bridge that crosses the pond, stepping stones, stone lanterns, artificial hills and large stones punctuating the rest of the space. The villa was built by Hachiroemon Takamine, the head of the Mitsui clan, in 1925 for relatives visiting Shimogamo Shrine. Thanks to its well preserved condition, the villa was desiginated as an important cultural property of Japan. The Omoya main building whose biggest feature is the Boro watch tower is built within the beatiful garden, showing off the prosperity of the merchant in the old days. The Mitsui clan were a powerful business family that began trading during the Edo period and rose to become the richest family in Japan. Now the villa and gardens are open to the public.
    old-mitsui-1.jpg
  • Rozan-ji temple was originally built in 938 on Mt Hiei, in the northern hills of Kyoto, and moved to its present location in 1571. Lady Murasaki wrote this classic masterpiece of Japanese literature while she lived here, thereby giving a certain historical feeling to the temple. The Tale of Genji is sometimes considered the world's first novel.  The original mansion where the book was written is long gone. Today Rozan-ji occupies those grounds. The temple garden is unique in its use of of its moss islands and flowers.
    rosanji-03.jpg
  • Rozan-ji temple was originally built in 938 on Mt Hiei, in the northern hills of Kyoto, and moved to its present location in 1571. Lady Murasaki wrote this classic masterpiece of Japanese literature while she lived here, thereby giving a certain historical feeling to the temple. The Tale of Genji is sometimes considered the world's first novel.  The original mansion where the book was written is long gone. Today Rozan-ji occupies those grounds. The temple garden is unique in its use of of its moss islands and flowers.
    rosanji-02.jpg
  • Rozan-ji temple was originally built in 938 on Mt Hiei, in the northern hills of Kyoto, and moved to its present location in 1571. Lady Murasaki wrote this classic masterpiece of Japanese literature while she lived here, thereby giving a certain historical feeling to the temple. The Tale of Genji is sometimes considered the world's first novel. The original mansion where the book was written is long gone. Today Rozan-ji occupies those grounds. The temple garden is unique in its use of of its moss islands.
    AMBER-LOTUS-2023-141.jpg
  • Located at the foot of Mt. Hiei in eastern Kyoto, Enkoji is one of many temple gardens that dot this part of town. Enkoji was founded in 1601 by Tokugawa Ieyasu - its mission was to promote learning and scholarship in Japan. As a result, both monks and laymen were allowed as students. Enkoji is well known for its autumn leaves.
    enkoji-garden-1.jpg