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!
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| 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.
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| Sogen Pond |
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| Sogen Pond and the intentionally "borrowed scenery" of Arashiyama Mountain. |
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| 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.
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| Taking the stone path from Okochi Denjiro's villa towards his garden. |
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| Wondering through the garden... |
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| on stepping stones |
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| Nick made it to the view first. :) |
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| Hozu River Gorge and Senko-ji Temple across the river on Mt. Arashiyama |
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| 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... |
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| 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.
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| Despite the unfortunate story of the jilted lovers, the moss garden was amazing. |
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| Temple's thatched gate |
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| Dappled moss and stone lantern |
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| A display of the variety of mosses and plants found in the garden. |
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| He's so zen... |
Some random snapshots of the day...
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| Pond on the way to Tenryu-ji |
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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! :)
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Sagano's roadside scenery on the way to Gio-ji
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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.
