Continuing my exploration at Daitokuji, visiting Souken-in – the mortuary temple of Oda Nobunaga, Ōbai-in – famous for the rare kare-sansui garden Jikuchu-tei which is covered in moss, and Ryogen-in which boosts 5 different dry landscape gardens.
Exploring the massive Daitokuji, the Rinzai-sect of Buddhism temple complex and some of its sub-temples, all famous for their kare-sansui, dry landscape rock gardens – Daisen-in, Zuihou-in and Kourin-in.
Though relatively newly reconstructed structures and inaccessible buildings (unlike favored Nijo Castle), the gardens at the Kyoto Gosho makes this a worthy visit thanks to its otherworldly views.
Catching bright autumn colors at the Shishiku no Niwa, a garden of Hogon-in, sub-temple of Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama.
Quiet stroll at Kyu Shiba Rikyu, one of the two surviving Edo garden in Tokyo, featuring a central pond with four small islands and various rock formations.
Visiting Meigetsu-in in Kamakura, famous as Ajisai-dera (Hydrangea Temple) during autumn to see the autumn foliage which was just turning color.
Autumn foliage at Engakuji, a Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism temple, built as a memorial to soldiers lost during the battles against the Mongolian invasion in Japan.
A relaxing stroll in the beautiful Genkyuen, the garden in the grounds of Hikone castle, featuring a central pond with multiple islands connected by bridges.
An unexpected enjoyable visit to Hikone Castle, one of the 12 original castles.
A chance for a quiet prayer at Shōrin-in, an often overlooked Tendai sect. of Buddhism temple in Ohara, Kyoto.
A two-hour scenic ride through Hozugawa river from Kameoka to Arashiyama, learning about the history of the boat ride through the tales and jokes from the friendly boatmen.
