Exploring the large grounds of Sanzen-in, Ohara's most popular temple, built by Saicho, the founder of Tendai sect. of Buddhism. Enjoying the pleasant autumn scenery in the moss garden and amusing myself with the laughing Buddhas.
Tag: Kyoto
Hōsen-in, Reflecting Sacrifice through Blood-Stained Ceiling and Serene Garden View
Enjoying three distinct gardens at Hōsen-in, especially famous for the view of a "framed" garden from the tatami room. The blood-stained ceilings from Fushimi Castle creates a contrasting feeling of solemness against the serenity of the garden scenery.
Art and Gardens at Monzeki Temple, Shoren-in
Shoren-in, a Tendai sect. Monzeki temple, offers a range of enjoyable experience, from its fusuma paintings, garden view from tatami room, garden stroll around a pond - Ryujin-no-Ike, and even a view of the temple and garden from above. The main object of worship here is the Shijoko Nyorai Mandala and the temple even has a painting of a blue Fudo Myo-o which is a national treasure.
Jakko-in, Former Nunnery of a Tragic Heike Empress
Walking through countryside Japan to reach Jakko-in, a Tendai sect. Buddhism temple famously known for being the former nunnery of Empress Dowager Kenreimon-in, the surviving imperial Heike from the Dan-no-ura battle between the Taira and Miyamoto clans. Subjected to arson in 2000, the main hall was newly rebuilt in 2005, and houses the Rokumantai Jizo (60,000 forms Jizo).
Kurama-dera, the Mystical, One-of-a Kind Buddhist Temple
Kurama-dera is rich in history, said to be founded by the disciple of Ganjin (Jiazhen), connected to the Guardian of the North and one of the Four Heavenly Kings, Bishamonten, and was once home to famous samurai Moritomo no Yoshitsune. The temple is unique, having established its own Kurama-kokyo sect of Buddhism, worshiping the trinity Sonten which comprises of Bishamonten, the Thousand-Armed Kannon, and Mao-son, a god unique to this temple.
Crimson Red Autumn Leaves at Bishamondo Temple
Rewarding trip to Bishamondo, famous for its red autumn leaves and weeping sakura in spring. One of the five Tendai sect. Monzeki temples in Kyoto, Bishamondo offers a different experience through imperial presence in the structure of the buildings.
Basking in the Sun at Yuzen Garden, Chion-in
Catching autumn in bright weather at Yuzen Garden in Chion-in, a famous garden designed in the Showa Era in commemoration of Miyazaki Yuzen, famous for founding the Yuzen dyeing style. Yuzen Garden features two separate gardens, a hill and pond garden with a bronze Kannon statue, and a vast rock garden, Rokuya-on.
Garden viewing and stroll at Jikko-in, Ohara, Kyoto
A relaxing time at Jikko-in having green tea and Japanese sweets while admiring beautiful garden scenery.
Daitokuji and its Sub-temples (Part 2) – Souken-in, Ōbai-in and Ryogen-in
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.
Daitokuji and its Sub-temples (Part 1) – Daisen-in, Zuihou-in and Kourin-in
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
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.
Japan's Wonders 