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  • Kyoto Station is one of the largest railway stations in the world and certainly one of the most striking. It is the largest railway station in Japan.  This futuristic glass structure replaced old Kyoto station, which burned down in 1952. The new Kyoto Station building was designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara and  the completion of the new Kyoto Station marked the beginning of a new era of modern architectural developments in the city.   The enormity of the construction is undescored by the giant escalator system that takes the passenger up nine storeys up to the roof, where there is a spectacular view over the city from the observation deck. Besides all this, the station hosts events and activities as a multi-functional space.
    kyoto-station-9.jpg
  • Kyoto Station is one of the largest railway stations in the world and certainly one of the most striking. It is the largest railway station in Japan.  This futuristic glass structure replaced old Kyoto station, which burned down in 1952. The new Kyoto Station building was designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara and  the completion of the new Kyoto Station marked the beginning of a new era of modern architectural developments in the city.   The enormity of the construction is undescored by the giant escalator system that takes the passenger up nine storeys up to the roof, where there is a spectacular view over the city from the observation deck. Besides all this, the station hosts events and activities as a multi-functional space.
    kyoto-station-3.jpg
  • Kyoto Station is one of the largest railway stations in the world and certainly one of the most striking. It is the largest railway station in Japan.  This futuristic glass structure replaced old Kyoto station, which burned down in 1952. The new Kyoto Station building was designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara and  the completion of the new Kyoto Station marked the beginning of a new era of modern architectural developments in the city.   The enormity of the construction is undescored by the giant escalator system that takes the passenger up nine storeys up to the roof, where there is a spectacular view over the city from the observation deck. Besides all this, the station hosts events and activities as a multi-functional space.
    kyoto-station-2.jpg
  • Kyoto Station is one of the largest railway stations in the world and certainly one of the most striking. It is the largest railway station in Japan.  This futuristic glass structure replaced old Kyoto station, which burned down in 1952. The new Kyoto Station building was designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara and  the completion of the new Kyoto Station marked the beginning of a new era of modern architectural developments in the city.   The enormity of the construction is undescored by the giant escalator system that takes the passenger up nine storeys up to the roof, where there is a spectacular view over the city from the observation deck. Besides all this, the station hosts events and activities as a multi-functional space.
    kyoto-station-12.jpg
  • Kyoto Station is one of the largest railway stations in the world and certainly one of the most striking. It is the largest railway station in Japan.  This futuristic glass structure replaced old Kyoto station, which burned down in 1952. The new Kyoto Station building was designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara and  the completion of the new Kyoto Station marked the beginning of a new era of modern architectural developments in the city.   The enormity of the construction is undescored by the giant escalator system that takes the passenger up nine storeys up to the roof, where there is a spectacular view over the city from the observation deck. Besides all this, the station hosts events and activities as a multi-functional space.
    kyoto-station-7.jpg
  • Kyoto Station is one of the largest railway stations in the world and certainly one of the most striking. It is the largest railway station in Japan.  This futuristic glass structure replaced old Kyoto station, which burned down in 1952. The new Kyoto Station building was designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara and  the completion of the new Kyoto Station marked the beginning of a new era of modern architectural developments in the city.   The enormity of the construction is undescored by the giant escalator system that takes the passenger up nine storeys up to the roof, where there is a spectacular view over the city from the observation deck. Besides all this, the station hosts events and activities as a multi-functional space.
    kyoto-station-8.jpg
  • Kyoto Station is one of the largest railway stations in the world and certainly one of the most striking. It is the largest railway station in Japan.  This futuristic glass structure replaced old Kyoto station, which burned down in 1952. The new Kyoto Station building was designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara and  the completion of the new Kyoto Station marked the beginning of a new era of modern architectural developments in the city.   The enormity of the construction is undescored by the giant escalator system that takes the passenger up nine storeys up to the roof, where there is a spectacular view over the city from the observation deck. Besides all this, the station hosts events and activities as a multi-functional space.
    kyoto-station-10.jpg
  • Kyoto Station is one of the largest railway stations in the world and certainly one of the most striking. It is the largest railway station in Japan.  This futuristic glass structure replaced old Kyoto station, which burned down in 1952. The new Kyoto Station building was designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara and  the completion of the new Kyoto Station marked the beginning of a new era of modern architectural developments in the city.   The enormity of the construction is undescored by the giant escalator system that takes the passenger up nine storeys up to the roof, where there is a spectacular view over the city from the observation deck. Besides all this, the station hosts events and activities as a multi-functional space.
    kyoto-station-11.jpg
  • Kyoto Station is one of the largest railway stations in the world and certainly one of the most striking. It is the largest railway station in Japan.  This futuristic glass structure replaced old Kyoto station, which burned down in 1952. The new Kyoto Station building was designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara and  the completion of the new Kyoto Station marked the beginning of a new era of modern architectural developments in the city.   The enormity of the construction is undescored by the giant escalator system that takes the passenger up nine storeys up to the roof, where there is a spectacular view over the city from the observation deck. Besides all this, the station hosts events and activities as a multi-functional space.
    kyoto-station-4.jpg
  • Kyoto Station is one of the largest railway stations in the world and certainly one of the most striking. It is the largest railway station in Japan.  This futuristic glass structure replaced old Kyoto station, which burned down in 1952. The new Kyoto Station building was designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara and  the completion of the new Kyoto Station marked the beginning of a new era of modern architectural developments in the city.   The enormity of the construction is undescored by the giant escalator system that takes the passenger up nine storeys up to the roof, where there is a spectacular view over the city from the observation deck. Besides all this, the station hosts events and activities as a multi-functional space.
    kyoto-station-1.jpg
  • Kyoto Station is one of the largest railway stations in the world and certainly one of the most striking. It is the largest railway station in Japan.  This futuristic glass structure replaced old Kyoto station, which burned down in 1952. The new Kyoto Station building was designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara and  the completion of the new Kyoto Station marked the beginning of a new era of modern architectural developments in the city.   The enormity of the construction is undescored by the giant escalator system that takes the passenger up nine storeys up to the roof, where there is a spectacular view over the city from the observation deck. Besides all this, the station hosts events and activities as a multi-functional space.
    kyoto-station-6.jpg
  • Around Ogawa-dori in the north and south, there are many temples such as Honpo-ji Temple, the mansion of the Urasenke Iemoto, and tea utensils shops and the renowned Urasenke tea ceremony school. The name of the street is derived from the fact that the river Kokawa that once flowed <br />
in these parts. In 1963, during sewer maintenance work, the stream was diverted and the river disappeared.
    ogawa-dori-01.jpg
  • Around Ogawa-dori in the north and south, there are many temples such as Honpo-ji Temple, the mansion of the Urasenke Iemoto, and tea utensils shops and the renowned Urasenke tea ceremony school. The name of the street is derived from the fact that the river Kokawa that once flowed <br />
in these parts. In 1963, during sewer maintenance work, the stream was diverted and the river disappeared.
    ogawa-dori-02.jpg
  • To-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto founded by Kobo Daishi. Its name means East Temple. Toji's pagoda is 54.8 meters high and is the tallest wooden tower in Japan. The pagoda has long been the icon of Kyoto.  However, Toji is far more than merely its pagoda.  It hosts a centureis old antique market once a month and the huge compound just south of Kyoto Station makes it almost never crowded except during market days.
    toji-12.jpg
  • To-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto founded by Kobo Daishi. Its name means East Temple. Toji's pagoda is 54.8 meters high and is the tallest wooden tower in Japan. The pagoda has long been the icon of Kyoto.  However, Toji is far more than merely its pagoda.  It hosts a centureis old antique market once a month and the huge compound just south of Kyoto Station makes it almost never crowded except during market days.
    toji-4.jpg
  • To-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto founded by Kobo Daishi. Its name means East Temple. Toji's pagoda is 54.8 meters high and is the tallest wooden tower in Japan. The pagoda has long been the icon of Kyoto.  However, Toji is far more than merely its pagoda.  It hosts a centureis old antique market once a month and the huge compound just south of Kyoto Station makes it almost never crowded except during market days.
    toji-10.jpg
  • To-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto founded by Kobo Daishi. Its name means East Temple. Toji's pagoda is 54.8 meters high and is the tallest wooden tower in Japan. The pagoda has long been the icon of Kyoto.  However, Toji is far more than merely its pagoda.  It hosts a centureis old antique market once a month and the huge compound just south of Kyoto Station makes it almost never crowded except during market days.
    toji-11.jpg
  • The Nawikawa Cloisonné Museum is located in a small villa lost in the narrow streets south of Heian Jingu. This residence, built in 1894, was the home of Namikawa Yasuyuki an artist of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Namikawa started his career of cloisonné artist at 28. Cloisonne is an old technique for decorating metallic objects. It consists in building wire frame enclosures in which enamel of different colors is poured. Every outline of every coloured region in the drawing is first delimited by wires, then enamel is poured and the piece is cooked, and finally polished. The museum has around 130 pieces from Namikawa. Namikawa earned a few international prizes, among which is the Exposition Internationale de Paris. This made him famous worldwide and resulted in many foreigners visiting him in Kyoto. The villa also has many sliding partitions that use glass instead of rice paper which was very unusual at the time. Besides the museum, the villa has a nice photogenic garden with a pond that reaches under the main building making it appear to float upon the pond.
    namikawa-cloisonne-garden-08.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-13.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-14.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-12.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-09.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-08.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-06.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-03.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-04.jpg
  • The Nawikawa Cloisonné Museum is located in a small villa lost in the narrow streets south of Heian Jingu. This residence, built in 1894, was the home of Namikawa Yasuyuki an artist of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Namikawa started his career of cloisonné artist at 28. Cloisonne is an old technique for decorating metallic objects. It consists in building wire frame enclosures in which enamel of different colors is poured. Every outline of every coloured region in the drawing is first delimited by wires, then enamel is poured and the piece is cooked, and finally polished. The museum has around 130 pieces from Namikawa. Namikawa earned a few international prizes, among which is the Exposition Internationale de Paris. This made him famous worldwide and resulted in many foreigners visiting him in Kyoto. The villa also has many sliding partitions that use glass instead of rice paper which was very unusual at the time. Besides the museum, the villa has a nice photogenic garden with a pond that reaches under the main building making it appear to float upon the pond.
    namikawa-cloisonne-garden-12.jpg
  • The Nawikawa Cloisonné Museum is located in a small villa lost in the narrow streets south of Heian Jingu. This residence, built in 1894, was the home of Namikawa Yasuyuki an artist of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Namikawa started his career of cloisonné artist at 28. Cloisonne is an old technique for decorating metallic objects. It consists in building wire frame enclosures in which enamel of different colors is poured. Every outline of every coloured region in the drawing is first delimited by wires, then enamel is poured and the piece is cooked, and finally polished. The museum has around 130 pieces from Namikawa. Namikawa earned a few international prizes, among which is the Exposition Internationale de Paris. This made him famous worldwide and resulted in many foreigners visiting him in Kyoto. The villa also has many sliding partitions that use glass instead of rice paper which was very unusual at the time. Besides the museum, the villa has a nice photogenic garden with a pond that reaches under the main building making it appear to float upon the pond.
    namikawa-cloisonne-garden-11.jpg
  • The Nawikawa Cloisonné Museum is located in a small villa lost in the narrow streets south of Heian Jingu. This residence, built in 1894, was the home of Namikawa Yasuyuki an artist of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Namikawa started his career of cloisonné artist at 28. Cloisonne is an old technique for decorating metallic objects. It consists in building wire frame enclosures in which enamel of different colors is poured. Every outline of every coloured region in the drawing is first delimited by wires, then enamel is poured and the piece is cooked, and finally polished. The museum has around 130 pieces from Namikawa. Namikawa earned a few international prizes, among which is the Exposition Internationale de Paris. This made him famous worldwide and resulted in many foreigners visiting him in Kyoto. The villa also has many sliding partitions that use glass instead of rice paper which was very unusual at the time. Besides the museum, the villa has a nice photogenic garden with a pond that reaches under the main building making it appear to float upon the pond.
    namikawa-cloisonne-garden-10.jpg
  • The Nawikawa Cloisonné Museum is located in a small villa lost in the narrow streets south of Heian Jingu. This residence, built in 1894, was the home of Namikawa Yasuyuki an artist of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Namikawa started his career of cloisonné artist at 28. Cloisonne is an old technique for decorating metallic objects. It consists in building wire frame enclosures in which enamel of different colors is poured. Every outline of every coloured region in the drawing is first delimited by wires, then enamel is poured and the piece is cooked, and finally polished. The museum has around 130 pieces from Namikawa. Namikawa earned a few international prizes, among which is the Exposition Internationale de Paris. This made him famous worldwide and resulted in many foreigners visiting him in Kyoto. The villa also has many sliding partitions that use glass instead of rice paper which was very unusual at the time. Besides the museum, the villa has a nice photogenic garden with a pond that reaches under the main building making it appear to float upon the pond.
    namikawa-cloisonne-garden-09.jpg
  • The Nawikawa Cloisonné Museum is located in a small villa lost in the narrow streets south of Heian Jingu. This residence, built in 1894, was the home of Namikawa Yasuyuki an artist of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Namikawa started his career of cloisonné artist at 28. Cloisonne is an old technique for decorating metallic objects. It consists in building wire frame enclosures in which enamel of different colors is poured. Every outline of every coloured region in the drawing is first delimited by wires, then enamel is poured and the piece is cooked, and finally polished. The museum has around 130 pieces from Namikawa. Namikawa earned a few international prizes, among which is the Exposition Internationale de Paris. This made him famous worldwide and resulted in many foreigners visiting him in Kyoto. The villa also has many sliding partitions that use glass instead of rice paper which was very unusual at the time. Besides the museum, the villa has a nice photogenic garden with a pond that reaches under the main building making it appear to float upon the pond.
    namikawa-cloisonne-garden-05.jpg
  • The Nawikawa Cloisonné Museum is located in a small villa lost in the narrow streets south of Heian Jingu. This residence, built in 1894, was the home of Namikawa Yasuyuki an artist of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Namikawa started his career of cloisonné artist at 28. Cloisonne is an old technique for decorating metallic objects. It consists in building wire frame enclosures in which enamel of different colors is poured. Every outline of every coloured region in the drawing is first delimited by wires, then enamel is poured and the piece is cooked, and finally polished. The museum has around 130 pieces from Namikawa. Namikawa earned a few international prizes, among which is the Exposition Internationale de Paris. This made him famous worldwide and resulted in many foreigners visiting him in Kyoto. The villa also has many sliding partitions that use glass instead of rice paper which was very unusual at the time. Besides the museum, the villa has a nice photogenic garden with a pond that reaches under the main building making it appear to float upon the pond.
    namikawa-cloisonne-garden-03.jpg
  • Manshu-in also known as Manshuin Monzeki is a Tendai sect Zen Buddhist temple located near the Shugakuin Imperial Villa in Kyoto.  The temple's major garden is in the Karesansui style, and now designated as an eminent scenery; it contains a notable Pinus pentaphylla tree, now about 400 years old, set within an "island" on a stream of white sand.  This garden lies just south of Shugakuin Detached Palace on the grounds of the Monzekiji-in temple (a Tendai sect temple). Prince Toshihito's (who designed Katsura) second son, Yoshihisa seems to have had some connection with this garden's construction in 1656. The original buildings still stands in their original locations, and their Shoin style closely resembles that of Katsura. The garden is wrapped around both the large and small shoin, but according to Gunter Nitsche, it is best viewed from the small shoin. Its design is that of a pond garden in terms of layout, but the older Heian form has been transformed into the dry karesansui of the Edo period. An artificial Mount Horai is paired with rock groupings on its left. A stone bridge "Ishibashii" crosses a dry stream and a second bridge of stone slabs links a penninsula to a crane island in the far west. On the crane island are three undulating rock groups that resemble the nosuji of the Heian period . In front is a turtle island floating in an expanse of white gravel.
    manshu-in-garden-4.jpg
  • Manshu-in also known as Manshuin Monzeki is a Tendai sect Zen Buddhist temple located near the Shugakuin Imperial Villa in Kyoto.  The temple's major garden is in the Karesansui style, and now designated as an eminent scenery; it contains a notable Pinus pentaphylla tree, now about 400 years old, set within an "island" on a stream of white sand.  This garden lies just south of Shugakuin Detached Palace on the grounds of the Monzekiji-in temple (a Tendai sect temple). Prince Toshihito's (who designed Katsura) second son, Yoshihisa seems to have had some connection with this garden's construction in 1656. The original buildings still stands in their original locations, and their Shoin style closely resembles that of Katsura. The garden is wrapped around both the large and small shoin, but according to Gunter Nitsche, it is best viewed from the small shoin. Its design is that of a pond garden in terms of layout, but the older Heian form has been transformed into the dry karesansui of the Edo period. An artificial Mount Horai is paired with rock groupings on its left. A stone bridge "Ishibashii" crosses a dry stream and a second bridge of stone slabs links a penninsula to a crane island in the far west. On the crane island are three undulating rock groups that resemble the nosuji of the Heian period . In front is a turtle island floating in an expanse of white gravel.
    manshu-in-garden-3.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-10.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-05.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-02.jpg
  • Hosen-in Garden - Hosen-in was founded about 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is much older: 700 years! On the west of the hall, behind the little shoji window is a tsukubai water basin with a small wooden terrace leading to it. Two planks in the terrace are removable and the temple places artistic works, such as the leaves and carvings. Next time you come, the planks will likely be different. Another unique feature for this temple: Note also the pair of bamboo tubes going trough the terrace: you can listen to the sound of water dripping below the basin if you put your ear to it. Like a few other temples in Kyoto the ceiling of the main hall contains special planks that used to be floor boards for the Fushimi castle that bear traces of blood from 370 samurai's who committed ritual suicide when they lost the battle for their caste. Hosen-in has another zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree. Called the garden of the crane and turtle “Tsurukame Teien” -  both symbols of long life.  It features various stones and patterns in a very unusual way. The three main features of the place are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with neatly arranged stones around it.
    Hosen-in-01.jpg
  • The Nawikawa Cloisonné Museum is located in a small villa lost in the narrow streets south of Heian Jingu. This residence, built in 1894, was the home of Namikawa Yasuyuki an artist of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Namikawa started his career of cloisonné artist at 28. Cloisonne is an old technique for decorating metallic objects. It consists in building wire frame enclosures in which enamel of different colors is poured. Every outline of every coloured region in the drawing is first delimited by wires, then enamel is poured and the piece is cooked, and finally polished. The museum has around 130 pieces from Namikawa. Namikawa earned a few international prizes, among which is the Exposition Internationale de Paris. This made him famous worldwide and resulted in many foreigners visiting him in Kyoto. The villa also has many sliding partitions that use glass instead of rice paper which was very unusual at the time. Besides the museum, the villa has a nice photogenic garden with a pond that reaches under the main building making it appear to float upon the pond.
    namikawa-cloisonne-garden-07.jpg
  • The Nawikawa Cloisonné Museum is located in a small villa lost in the narrow streets south of Heian Jingu. This residence, built in 1894, was the home of Namikawa Yasuyuki an artist of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Namikawa started his career of cloisonné artist at 28. Cloisonne is an old technique for decorating metallic objects. It consists in building wire frame enclosures in which enamel of different colors is poured. Every outline of every coloured region in the drawing is first delimited by wires, then enamel is poured and the piece is cooked, and finally polished. The museum has around 130 pieces from Namikawa. Namikawa earned a few international prizes, among which is the Exposition Internationale de Paris. This made him famous worldwide and resulted in many foreigners visiting him in Kyoto. The villa also has many sliding partitions that use glass instead of rice paper which was very unusual at the time. Besides the museum, the villa has a nice photogenic garden with a pond that reaches under the main building making it appear to float upon the pond.
    namikawa-cloisonne-garden-06.jpg
  • The Nawikawa Cloisonné Museum is located in a small villa lost in the narrow streets south of Heian Jingu. This residence, built in 1894, was the home of Namikawa Yasuyuki an artist of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Namikawa started his career of cloisonné artist at 28. Cloisonne is an old technique for decorating metallic objects. It consists in building wire frame enclosures in which enamel of different colors is poured. Every outline of every coloured region in the drawing is first delimited by wires, then enamel is poured and the piece is cooked, and finally polished. The museum has around 130 pieces from Namikawa. Namikawa earned a few international prizes, among which is the Exposition Internationale de Paris. This made him famous worldwide and resulted in many foreigners visiting him in Kyoto. The villa also has many sliding partitions that use glass instead of rice paper which was very unusual at the time. Besides the museum, the villa has a nice photogenic garden with a pond that reaches under the main building making it appear to float upon the pond.
    namikawa-cloisonne-garden-04.jpg
  • The Nawikawa Cloisonné Museum is located in a small villa lost in the narrow streets south of Heian Jingu. This residence, built in 1894, was the home of Namikawa Yasuyuki an artist of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Namikawa started his career of cloisonné artist at 28. Cloisonne is an old technique for decorating metallic objects. It consists in building wire frame enclosures in which enamel of different colors is poured. Every outline of every coloured region in the drawing is first delimited by wires, then enamel is poured and the piece is cooked, and finally polished. The museum has around 130 pieces from Namikawa. Namikawa earned a few international prizes, among which is the Exposition Internationale de Paris. This made him famous worldwide and resulted in many foreigners visiting him in Kyoto. The villa also has many sliding partitions that use glass instead of rice paper which was very unusual at the time. Besides the museum, the villa has a nice photogenic garden with a pond that reaches under the main building making it appear to float upon the pond.
    namikawa-cloisonne-garden-02.jpg
  • Manshu-in also known as Manshuin Monzeki - the temple's major garden is in the Karesansui style, contains a notable pine tree which is about 400 years old, set within an "island" on a stream of white sand best viewed from the shoin.
    manshu-in-garden-5.jpg
  • 13. Toji Temple  東寺 To-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto founded by Kobo Daishi. Its name means East Temple. Toji's pagoda is the tallest wooden tower in Japan and has long been the icon of Kyoto.  Though it was first built in the year 826 it has burned down four times and been rebuilt exactly as before each time.  Toji is far more than merely a pagoda. Toji is an enormous 24 acre compound of temples and sub-temples and hosts a centuries-old antique market once a month in its huge domain.
    13.KYOTO-TOJI-03.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Heian Shrine, or "Heian jingu" as it is known in Japanese, is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto. The torii before the main gate is one of the largest in Japan, .Heian Jingu was built in 1895 for the 1,100th anniversary of the establishment of Heiankyo - the old name of Kyoto and was dedicated to Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei.
    heian-shrine-1.jpg
  • Kyaku-den Garden at Jisho-in is a dry landscape garden which effectively incorporates the arrangement of stones, moss and a 300 year-old pine tree.  Jisho-in Temple is one of sub-temples of Shokokuji in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. Shokokuji is the head of the Rinzai secto of Shokokuji School of Zen Buddhist nad has 16 sub-temples) Jisho-in was constructed in the Muromachi period of 1405 by a Zen priest and 13th abbot of Shokoku-ji, Chuen Zaochu. Jisho-in is rarely open to the public though its dry landscape karesansui garden is viewable through the main gate, free of charge.
    jisho-in-garden-03.jpg
  • Bread and Espresso Garden has been renovated as a cafe from Former Kobayashi House a 210-year-old tangible cultural property designated by Kyoto Prefecture.  The thatched building was originally located in a rural area of Sonobe and relocated to the current location of Arashiyama.  The garden itself, which was created in the center of the store site, is a very new garden designed specifically to enhance the structures.
    kobayashi-espresso-chocolate-3.jpg
  • Bread and Espresso Garden has been renovated as a cafe from Former Kobayashi House a 210-year-old tangible cultural property designated by Kyoto Prefecture.  The thatched building was originally located in a rural area of Sonobe and relocated to the current location of Arashiyama.  The garden itself, which was created in the center of the store site, is a very new garden designed specifically to enhance the structures.
    kobayashi-espresso-chocolate-1.jpg
  • Kyaku-den Garden at Jisho-in is a dry landscape garden which effectively incorporates the arrangement of stones, moss and a 300 year-old pine tree.  Jisho-in Temple is one of sub-temples of Shokokuji in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. Shokokuji is the head of the Rinzai secto of Shokokuji School of Zen Buddhist nad has 16 sub-temples) Jisho-in was constructed in the Muromachi period of 1405 by a Zen priest and 13th abbot of Shokoku-ji, Chuen Zaochu. Jisho-in is rarely open to the public though its dry landscape karesansui garden is viewable through the main gate, free of charge.
    jisho-in-garden-05.jpg
  • Kyaku-den Garden at Jisho-in is a dry landscape garden which effectively incorporates the arrangement of stones, moss and a 300 year-old pine tree.  Jisho-in Temple is one of sub-temples of Shokokuji in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. Shokokuji is the head of the Rinzai secto of Shokokuji School of Zen Buddhist nad has 16 sub-temples) Jisho-in was constructed in the Muromachi period of 1405 by a Zen priest and 13th abbot of Shokoku-ji, Chuen Zaochu. Jisho-in is rarely open to the public though its dry landscape karesansui garden is viewable through the main gate, free of charge.
    jisho-in-garden-04.jpg
  • Kyaku-den Garden at Jisho-in is a dry landscape garden which effectively incorporates the arrangement of stones, moss and a 300 year-old pine tree.  Jisho-in Temple is one of sub-temples of Shokokuji in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. Shokokuji is the head of the Rinzai secto of Shokokuji School of Zen Buddhist nad has 16 sub-temples) Jisho-in was constructed in the Muromachi period of 1405 by a Zen priest and 13th abbot of Shokoku-ji, Chuen Zaochu. Jisho-in is rarely open to the public though its dry landscape karesansui garden is viewable through the main gate, free of charge.
    jisho-in-garden-01.jpg
  • Kyaku-den Garden at Jisho-in is a dry landscape garden which effectively incorporates the arrangement of stones, moss and a 300 year-old pine tree.  Jisho-in Temple is one of sub-temples of Shokokuji in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City. Shokokuji is the head of the Rinzai secto of Shokokuji School of Zen Buddhist nad has 16 sub-temples) Jisho-in was constructed in the Muromachi period of 1405 by a Zen priest and 13th abbot of Shokoku-ji, Chuen Zaochu. Jisho-in is rarely open to the public though its dry landscape karesansui garden is viewable through the main gate, free of charge.
    jisho-in-garden-02.jpg
  • Bread and Espresso Garden has been renovated as a cafe from Former Kobayashi House a 210-year-old tangible cultural property designated by Kyoto Prefecture.  The thatched building was originally located in a rural area of Sonobe and relocated to the current location of Arashiyama.  The garden itself, which was created in the center of the store site, is a very new garden designed specifically to enhance the structures.
    kobayashi-espresso-chocolate-2.jpg
  • Heian Shrine, or "Heian jingu" as it is known in Japanese, is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto. The torii before the main gate is one of the largest in Japan, .Heian Jingu was built in 1895 for the 1,100th anniversary of the establishment of Heiankyo - the old name of Kyoto and was dedicated to Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei.
    heian-shrine-torii-1.jpg
  • Heian Shrine, or "Heian jingu" as it is known in Japanese, is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto. The torii before the main gate is one of the largest in Japan, .Heian Jingu was built in 1895 for the 1,100th anniversary of the establishment of Heiankyo - the old name of Kyoto and was dedicated to Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei.
    heian-shrine-torii-2.jpg
  • Pickle Lady at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine Market - On the 25th of every month, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine  hosts a flea market. Together with the similar market at Toji Temple, they inspired the Kyoto proverb, "Fair weather at Toji Market means rainy weather at Tenjin market," referring to Kyoto's fickle weather.
    kitano-tenmangu-market-03.jpg
  • Biwa Aquaduct at Nanzenji - Suirokaku at Nanzen-ji Temple was built in 1890. It’s a high-rise architectural canal that bridges over the Biwakososui River. This aqueduct brings water from Lake Biwa to Nanzenji and Kyoto itself.  The bridge reminds us of Roman structures, but was designed by Sakuro Tanabe, a 22 year old architect, in the 1890s. Tanabe had his own policy that stated, “Every architectural structure should be perfect from any perspective.”  It is indeed beautiful from any direction and somehow blends in with the scenery of Nanzen-ji Temple and gardens. 
    nanzenji-biwa-aquaduct-2.jpg
  • Biwa Aquaduct at Nanzenji - Suirokaku at Nanzen-ji Temple was built in 1890. It’s a high-rise architectural canal that bridges over the Biwakososui River. This aqueduct brings water from Lake Biwa to Nanzenji and Kyoto itself.  The bridge reminds us of Roman structures, but was designed by Sakuro Tanabe, a 22 year old architect, in the 1890s. Tanabe had his own policy that stated, “Every architectural structure should be perfect from any perspective.”  It is indeed beautiful from any direction and somehow blends in with the scenery of Nanzen-ji Temple and gardens. 
    nanzenji-biwa-aquaduct-1.jpg
  • Hosen-in was built more than 800 years ago as priest quarters for nearby Sanzen-in Temple. The zen garden surrounding the main hall is about 300 years old, but the large pine tree on the south side is 700 years old.  When watched from the entrance path, the foliage of this venerable pine tree is shaped like Mount Fuji. Entrance includes a tea set whether you want it or not.   The tsukubai water basin has uniquely artistic flower arrangements to decorate the basin.  Hosen-in has second zen garden with a very different style, just south of the old tree.  Called the "Garden of the Crane and Turtle" -  both symbols of long life. This garden features various stones and patterns in an unusual way. The main features are the stone bridge, a racked gravel area and nice tsukubai water basin with arranged stones around it.
    hosen-in-3.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
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-02.jpg
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-11.jpg
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-10.jpg
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-08.jpg
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-04.jpg
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-01.jpg
  • Jakko-in Temple is an old temple that is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku. The nunnery where I spent my time. The official name of the temple is Seikosan Gyokusenji Jakkoin.  There are several pond gardens in the precincts. First of all, Shinji Pond and Tei no Pond on the left and right of the main hall. The pond has been described as “The cherry blossoms on the beach are scattered, and the flowers of the waves are the best” from a famous poem.  On the right hand side of the main hall Shinjiike Pond expresses a three-tiered waterfall with water drawn from the mountain behind.
    jakkoin-6.jpg
  • Jakko-in Temple is an old temple that is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku. The nunnery where I spent my time. The official name of the temple is Seikosan Gyokusenji Jakkoin.  There are several pond gardens in the precincts. First of all, Shinji Pond and Tei no Pond on the left and right of the main hall. The pond has been described as “The cherry blossoms on the beach are scattered, and the flowers of the waves are the best” from a famous poem.  On the right hand side of the main hall Shinjiike Pond expresses a three-tiered waterfall with water drawn from the mountain behind.
    jakkoin-5.jpg
  • Korin-in Garden at Daitokuji - The front garden of the Hojo was recreated by Kinsaku Nakane based on old documents. The stonework arranged in the white sand is a Momoyama period-style stonework. The surrounding area is colored with gentle moss hills and pruned azaleas. A beautiful moss-covered garden continues around the Hojo, and on the west side there are seasonal flowers such as maple and hydrangea and a stone pagoda. And the moss continues to the outdoor area of the tea room Kankyo-tei . This tea room was donated in 1928 by Gendo Yamaguchi - a modern businessman who supported numerous temples.
    Korin-in-Daitokuji -4.jpg
  • Korin-in Garden at Daitokuji - The front garden of the Hojo was recreated by Kinsaku Nakane based on old documents. The stonework arranged in the white sand is a Momoyama period-style stonework. The surrounding area is colored with gentle moss hills and pruned azaleas. A beautiful moss-covered garden continues around the Hojo, and on the west side there are seasonal flowers such as maple and hydrangea and a stone pagoda. And the moss continues to the outdoor area of the tea room Kankyo-tei . This tea room was donated in 1928 by Gendo Yamaguchi - a modern businessman who supported numerous temples.
    Korin-in-Daitokuji -1.jpg
  • Jakko-in Temple is an old temple that is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku. The nunnery where I spent my time. The official name of the temple is Seikosan Gyokusenji Jakkoin.  There are several pond gardens in the precincts. First of all, Shinji Pond and Tei no Pond on the left and right of the main hall. The pond has been described as “The cherry blossoms on the beach are scattered, and the flowers of the waves are the best” from a famous poem.  On the right hand side of the main hall Shinjiike Pond expresses a three-tiered waterfall with water drawn from the mountain behind.
    jakko-in-1.jpg
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-13.jpg
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-09.jpg
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-06.jpg
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-05.jpg
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-03.jpg
  • Jakko-in Temple is an old temple that is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku. The nunnery where I spent my time. The official name of the temple is Seikosan Gyokusenji Jakkoin.  There are several pond gardens in the precincts. First of all, Shinji Pond and Tei no Pond on the left and right of the main hall. The pond has been described as “The cherry blossoms on the beach are scattered, and the flowers of the waves are the best” from a famous poem.  On the right hand side of the main hall Shinjiike Pond expresses a three-tiered waterfall with water drawn from the mountain behind.
    jakkoin-8.jpg
  • Jakko-in Temple is an old temple that is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku. The nunnery where I spent my time. The official name of the temple is Seikosan Gyokusenji Jakkoin.  There are several pond gardens in the precincts. First of all, Shinji Pond and Tei no Pond on the left and right of the main hall. The pond has been described as “The cherry blossoms on the beach are scattered, and the flowers of the waves are the best” from a famous poem.  On the right hand side of the main hall Shinjiike Pond expresses a three-tiered waterfall with water drawn from the mountain behind.
    jakkoin-7.jpg
  • Jizo at Korin-in- The front garden of the Hojo was recreated by Kinsaku Nakane based on old documents. The stonework arranged in the white sand is a Momoyama period-style stonework. The surrounding area is colored with gentle moss hills and pruned azaleas. A beautiful moss-covered garden continues around the Hojo, and on the west side there are seasonal flowers such as maple and hydrangea and a stone pagoda. And the moss continues to the outdoor area of the tea room Kankyo-tei . This tea room was donated in 1928 by Gendo Yamaguchi - a modern businessman who supported numerous temples.
    Korin-in-Daitokuji -7.jpg
  • Korin-in Garden at Daitokuji - The front garden of the Hojo was recreated by Kinsaku Nakane based on old documents. The stonework arranged in the white sand is a Momoyama period-style stonework. The surrounding area is colored with gentle moss hills and pruned azaleas. A beautiful moss-covered garden continues around the Hojo, and on the west side there are seasonal flowers such as maple and hydrangea and a stone pagoda. And the moss continues to the outdoor area of the tea room Kankyo-tei . This tea room was donated in 1928 by Gendo Yamaguchi - a modern businessman who supported numerous temples.
    Korin-in-Daitokuji -5.jpg
  • Korin-in Garden at Daitokuji - The front garden of the Hojo was recreated by Kinsaku Nakane based on old documents. The stonework arranged in the white sand is a Momoyama period-style stonework. The surrounding area is colored with gentle moss hills and pruned azaleas. A beautiful moss-covered garden continues around the Hojo, and on the west side there are seasonal flowers such as maple and hydrangea and a stone pagoda. And the moss continues to the outdoor area of the tea room Kankyo-tei . This tea room was donated in 1928 by Gendo Yamaguchi - a modern businessman who supported numerous temples.
    Korin-in-Daitokuji -2.jpg
  • Korin-in Garden at Daitokuji - The front garden of the Hojo was recreated by Kinsaku Nakane based on old documents. The stonework arranged in the white sand is a Momoyama period-style stonework. The surrounding area is colored with gentle moss hills and pruned azaleas. A beautiful moss-covered garden continues around the Hojo, and on the west side there are seasonal flowers such as maple and hydrangea and a stone pagoda. And the moss continues to the outdoor area of the tea room Kankyo-tei . This tea room was donated in 1928 by Gendo Yamaguchi - a modern businessman who supported numerous temples.
    Korin-in-Daitokuji -3.jpg
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-14.jpg
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-15.jpg
  • Shogaku-an - the main garden Haimen faces the main hall. It is a dry landscape garden with stepping stones and stone lanterns arranged in the moss. Shogakuan has been around since 1290, but it’s only open for visits in November and always for the famous Brush Prayer Rituals where old writing instruments like brushes and pens donated by local artists and businesses are thrown into a fire. The resulting smoke from the fire is believed to help improve your handwriting if you bathe in it.
    Shogakuan-07.jpg
  • Jakko-in Temple is an old temple that is said to have been built by Prince Shotoku. The nunnery where I spent my time. The official name of the temple is Seikosan Gyokusenji Jakkoin.  There are several pond gardens in the precincts. First of all, Shinji Pond and Tei no Pond on the left and right of the main hall. The pond has been described as “The cherry blossoms on the beach are scattered, and the flowers of the waves are the best” from a famous poem.  On the right hand side of the main hall Shinjiike Pond expresses a three-tiered waterfall with water drawn from the mountain behind.
    jakkoin-4.jpg
  • Jizo at Korin-in- The front garden of the Hojo was recreated by Kinsaku Nakane based on old documents. The stonework arranged in the white sand is a Momoyama period-style stonework. The surrounding area is colored with gentle moss hills and pruned azaleas. A beautiful moss-covered garden continues around the Hojo, and on the west side there are seasonal flowers such as maple and hydrangea and a stone pagoda. And the moss continues to the outdoor area of the tea room Kankyo-tei . This tea room was donated in 1928 by Gendo Yamaguchi - a modern businessman who supported numerous temples.
    Korin-in-Daitokuji -6.jpg
  • 13. Toji Temple  東寺 To-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto founded by Kobo Daishi. Its name means East Temple. Toji's pagoda is the tallest wooden tower in Japan and has long been the icon of Kyoto.  Though it was first built in the year 826 it has burned down four times and been rebuilt exactly as before each time.  Toji is far more than merely a pagoda. Toji is an enormous 24 acre compound of temples and sub-temples and hosts a centuries-old antique market once a month in its huge domain.
    13.KYOTO-TOJI-01.jpg
  • Old Tokaido Road Signpost - indicating distance to Kyoto and Tokyo.  Instead of marking kilometers, it indicates ri which equals roughly 4 km. Tokaido is now both the main central train line as well as the original Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto.  But of the original trail only about 9 km still exists, most of it hiking trails in Fuji Hakone National Park.
    old-tokaido-road-6.jpg
  • There were originally 53 posts along the Old Tokaido Road, or Eastern Coastal Road.  Tokaido is now both the main central train line as well as the original Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto.  But of the original trail only about 9 km still exists, most of it in Hakone.
    old-tokaido-trail-1.jpg
  • There were originally 53 posts along the Old Tokaido Road, or Eastern Coastal Road.  Tokaido is now both the main central train line as well as the original Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto.  But of the original trail only about 9 km still exists, most of it in Hakone.
    old-tokaido-trail-3.jpg
  • There were originally 53 posts along the Old Tokaido Road, or Eastern Coastal Road.  Tokaido is now both the main central train line as well as the original Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto.  But of the original trail only about 9 km still exists, most of it in Hakone.
    old-tokaido-trail-2.jpg
  • Ichirizuka on the Old Tokaido Road.  Ichirizuka are a kind of mileage marker or milestone.  Instead of marking kilometers, they indicate ri which equals roughly 4 km.  They are made up of a large mound of earth with a tree for shade as a resting place for travelers on the  on the Old Tokaido Road, or Eastern Coastal Road.  Tokaido is now both the main central train line as well as the original Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto.  But of the original trail only about 9 km still exists, most of it in Hakone.
    old-tokaido-road-7.jpg
  • Ichirizuka on the Old Tokaido Road.  Ichirizuka are a kind of mileage marker or milestone.  Instead of marking kilometers, they indicate ri which equals roughly 4 km.  They are made up of a large mound of earth with a tree for shade as a resting place for travelers on the  on the Old Tokaido Road, or Eastern Coastal Road.  Tokaido is now both the main central train line as well as the original Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto.  But of the original trail only about 9 km still exists, most of it in Hakone.
    old-tokaido-road-8.jpg
  • Old Tokaido Road at Hamamatsu - There were originally 53 posts along the Old Tokaido Road or Eastern Coastal Road.  Tokaido is now both the main central train line as well as the original Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto.  But of the original trail only about 9 km still exists, most of it in Hakone.
    tokaido-road-1.jpg
  • Old Tokaido Road at Hamamatsu - There were originally 53 posts along the Old Tokaido Road or Eastern Coastal Road.  Tokaido is now both the main central train line as well as the original Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto.  But of the original trail only about 9 km still exists, most of it in Hakone.
    tokaido-road-5.jpg
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