Saturday in Arashiyama

I am so behind on posts, and many of the following blog posts will be reminiscing on several of our spring adventures. But I thought a more "real-time" post would be nice, so let me tell you about our day trip to Arashiyama while it is still fresh! :)

 Last Saturday, Nick and I hopped on the train to Arashiyama/Sagano which is set in the western mountains of Kyoto. It was a very warm day, but the beautiful, shady zen gardens were perfect!

Tenryu-ji's Gardens

Tenryu-ji Temple

Our first stop was Tenryu-ji, which is ranked as one of Kyoto's top five Zen temples. A ceremony was being perfomed in the temple, so we weren't able to go inside but we could still visit the beautiful garden. Tenryu-ji was built in the 1300's, but several fires destroyed the temple's original buildings (this is actually a pretty sad theme with most of the temples I've visited). The buildings have been rebuilt several times, but the layout of the surrounding garden is one of the least changed in Kyoto. It was designed by the master gardener and buddhist monk, Muso Soseki.

Sogen Pond

Sogen Pond and the intentionally "borrowed scenery" of Arashiyama Mountain.

Mountain Hydrangea

On the north side of Tenryu-ji's garden, there were several varieties of plants that were labeled with these cute little signs. It was very interesting to learn the names of some of the native plants as some were not as obvious as the hydrangeas. :)

We exited Tenryu-ji temple through the north gate which put us out directly on...

The Bamboo Path

Okochi Sanso

As we followed the bamboo path gradually up Mt. Ogura, we came to Okochi Sanso. This was the private garden villa of Okochi Denjiro, who was a famous actor during the silent-film era. There were so many beautiful views offered throughout the garden.

Taking the stone path from Okochi Denjiro's villa towards his garden.

Wondering through the garden...

on stepping stones

Nick made it to the view first. :)

Hozu River Gorge and Senko-ji Temple across the river on Mt. Arashiyama

Vast view of Kyoto and surrounding mountains. Nick wanted to sit cross-legged on the platform, but the sign said to stay off - gravel floor just had to do...

At the end of the garden tour, we were given matcha and a sweet in the tea room on the edge of the bamboo forest.

Gioji Temple

Gioji Temple is a Buddhist nunnery. The temple was named after Gio, one of the nuns that lived here - it is kind of a strange story: Gio was a beautiful Shirabyoshi dancer who fell in love with a powerful leader name Taira. She was later rejected by him for another dancer name Hotoke. Gio entered the nunnery at the age of 21, and Hotoke, who was only 17, soon joined her when she too was left by Taira. They both lived here the remainder of their lives.

Despite the unfortunate story of the jilted lovers, the moss garden was amazing. 

Temple's thatched gate

Dappled moss and stone lantern 

A display of the variety of mosses and plants found in the garden.

He's so zen...

Some random snapshots of the day...

Pond on the way to Tenryu-ji

So refreshing! :)

When I was younger my dad would complain about the tiny cans of coca-cola that cost $3 in Japan. Good news, Dad - this coke costs 120JPY = ~$1.20, and the can is the normal size! So now is a good time to visit! :)

Sagano's roadside scenery on the way to Gio-ji

We saw several gardeners and landscapers out working the grounds while we toured the gardens. Seeing these people sweeping the grounds (some of them on their hands and knees) in the heat of the day made me appreciate the hard work that goes into keep such an immaculate place that is enjoyed by so many visitors.

Kyoto in Bloom: A Walk along Lake Biwa Canal, Heian Shrine, The Incline, and Nanzen-ji

A couple of weeks ago I met my friend Kaori-san for a delicious lunch and hanami walk. It was the peak of the cherry blossom blooming, and it was so gorgeous. We walked and talked for hours enjoying the beautiful weather and views.

We met for lunch at Cafe Mement Mori. For lunch they offer a delicious daily "rice plate."

Taking a picture of your food, it is the proper Japanese thing to do! :)

After lunch we began our hanami walk by Lake Biwa Canal.

Lake Biwa Canal - Beautiful picture taken by Kaori-san! "Jikkoku pleasure boat" rides are offered during hanami season.

First Stop: Heian Shrine

Main Gate of Heian Shrine

This picture is taken standing at the main gate looking in. There is a large garden behind the buildings pictured - it was so crowded and you have to pay to enter, so we decided not to visit the gardens that day.

Chozubachi - a place to "purify" yourself before entering the Shinto shrine. You scoop water with the wooden ladle and wash in a specific order - left hand, right hand, mouth, and then handle of the ladle.

Byakko-ro tower

Huge Otorii of Heian Shrine - It is actually a block south of the main gate and it stretches over the entire road.

We followed Lake Biwa Canal to the Incline which is an abandoned railroad that is now a civil engineering heritage protected by Kyoto. The incline was constructed to carry boats over and through the mountains from Lake Biwa to Lake Biwa Canal for transportation of goods into Kyoto.

Beauty of the abandoned rails. 

There were so many people out enjoying the weather and gorgeous views, and it was a work day!

At the top of the incline we continued East toward the mountains and followed a shaded path along an aqueduct to Nanzen Temple. The aqueduct re-routes the water from Lake Biwa into Lake Biwa Canal. 

Heian Otorii in the distance.

The aqueduct goes through Nanzen-ji and then through the mountain. This bridge-looking structure is the aquaduct as we approach Nanzen-ji.

Sanmon Gate - Entrance Gate of Nanzen-ji

 We concluded our hanami walk on Tetsugaku-no Michi (Philosopher's Walk). From here we turned around and walked back to our bikes the same way we came! 

A View of Tetsugaku-no Michi

Here is a map of our walk. Google maps wouldn't let me go "off-road" - but from Point "D" you can see the start of the aqueduct we walked along to Point "E" (Nanzen-ji).

Thanks for guiding me to some of Kyoto's
amazing cherry blossom views, Kaori-san!

Looking the part... total tourist. :)

Kyoto in Bloom: A Walk Through Yasaka Shrine, Gion, and Kiyomizu Temple

Nick and I visited Yasaka-jinja and Kiyomizu-dera with one of my English conversation students.  We had a very fun evening of sightseeing and hanami!

A shot of the river as the sun was setting.

Walking through Gion on our way to Yasaka-jinja.

Cherry Blossoms in Gion

Lantern-lit Streets of Gion

Yasaka Shrine 

Inside of Yasaka Shrine there were many tents of food and souvenirs set up for the festival. We had some kasutera - which is one of my favorite Japanese sweet treats!

Special kasutera cooking pan

I guess I am getting lots of protein! ;)

Maruyama Koen - A very popular hanami picnic spot in Kyoto located right outside of Yasaka shrine. It looked so adorable with the cherry blossoms, Japanese-style picnic tables, lanterns, and strung lights!

A very large cherry blossom tree

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple and one of Kyoto's World Heritage Sites. It was so amazingly beautiful and our pictures don't do it justice unfortunately.

I've read that no nails were used in the construction of this temple... 

Cherry blossoms and views of downtown Kyoto.

Kyoto tower  is in the distance.

Illuminated temple grounds and three-storied pagoda

Otowa Waterfall (on the right) - people catch the sacred Otowa water with a ladle to drink and rinse their hands. We did it too... the ladles are placed under a UV light after each use (phew)!

Last pic of the evening - Thank you Yuichi-san for such an authentic Kyoto experience (and for taking all the pictures of me and Nick)!