Daitokuji and its Sub-temples (Part 1) – Daisen-in, Zuihou-in and Kourin-in

On April 7, 2018April 7, 2018 By JenniferIn Japanese Gardens, Kansai, Temple & Shrines4 Comments

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.

Kyoto Imperial Palace and its Surprisingly Beautiful Gardens

On March 31, 2018March 31, 2018 By JenniferIn Castle, Japanese Gardens, Kansai5 Comments

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.

Autumn Splendor at Lion’s Roar Garden of Hogon-in, Arashiyama

On March 24, 2018March 24, 2018 By JenniferIn Japanese Gardens, Kansai, Temple & Shrines1 Comment

Catching bright autumn colors at the Shishiku no Niwa, a garden of Hogon-in, sub-temple of Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama.

Oasis in a City: Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens

On March 17, 2018February 18, 2018 By JenniferIn Japanese Gardens, Kanto2 Comments

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.

Meigetsu-in, Also Beautiful in Autumn

On March 10, 2018March 9, 2018 By JenniferIn Kanto, Temple & Shrines5 Comments

Visiting Meigetsu-in in Kamakura, famous as Ajisai-dera (Hydrangea Temple) during autumn to see the autumn foliage which was just turning color.

Autumn at Engaku-ji, The Temple of Spirit, Kamakura

On March 4, 2018March 18, 2018 By JenniferIn Kanto, Temple & Shrines6 Comments

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.

Genkyuen Garden, Hikone Castle – Replica of Eight Views of Omi

On February 25, 2018September 2, 2019 By JenniferIn Japanese Gardens, Kansai1 Comment

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.

Pride of Hikone: Hikone Castle, Shiga Prefecture

On February 18, 2018April 28, 2018 By JenniferIn Castle, Kansai4 Comments

An unexpected enjoyable visit to Hikone Castle, one of the 12 original castles. Though the castle keep is small in size, especially in comparison to the likes of Himeji Castle, this hilltop castle offers a view of Hikone and features a number of intact buildings thus allowing visitors a more "complete" experience of a Japanese feudal castle.

Autumn at Shōrin-in, ‘Temple of Discussion’ in Ohara, Kyoto

On February 11, 2018July 8, 2018 By JenniferIn Kansai, Temple & Shrines10 Comments

A chance for a quiet prayer at Shōrin-in, an often overlooked Tendai sect. of Buddhism temple in Ohara, Kyoto.

Boat Ride with 400 years of History: Hozugawa River Cruise in Autumn

On February 4, 2018March 17, 2018 By JenniferIn Kansai, Scenic Ride6 Comments

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.