1. Kyoto

  Kyoto (lit. the capital of the capital) was the capital of Japan from 794 (in the reign of Emperor Kanmu) to 1868 (Emperor Meiji or Mutsuhito).  The current population is about 1,463,456 (Kyoto City Census, Feb.1, 2005); 2,645,208 (Kyoto Prefecture Census, Feb.1, 2005).  In spite of numerous wars and fires for more than 1,200 years, Kyoto still keep infinite cultural heritages of Japan.  Due to its historic value, Kyoto was not chosen as a target of U.S. air raids, which severely damaged many major Japanese cities including Tokyo, Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.  However, Kyoto also has an aspect of the modern city now.

  The following description is quoted from the UNESCO World Heritage Centre Website:

  Built in A.D. 794 on the model of the capitals of ancient China, Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan from its foundation until the middle of the 19th century.  As the centre of Japanese culture for more than 1,000 years, Kyoto illustrates the development of Japanese wooden architecture, particularly religious architecture, and the art of Japanese gardens, which has influenced landscape gardening the world over.

  For further information of Kyoto's World Cultural Heritage,
    Go to: World Cultural Heritage: Kyoto.
    Go to: World Heritage Cultural Property: Ancient Kyoto.
    Go to: World Heritage Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
  
  

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2. The Kyoto Protocol 1997

  Kyoto has recently become known as the center city of the world-wide environmental issues, especially against the Global Warming.
  Dear American friends, please help to persuade the American government to ratify the treaty even if it might slightly slow down the growth of the American industry which is producing as much as about 40% of the entire world pollution now.  Without America's ratification, we cannot stop the horrible Global Warming which would deadly damage the biogeocenosis and the terrain of the world in the near future:

  The Kyoto Protocol entered into force on 16 February 2005.  To mark this date, some Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, as well as institutions and organizations, have planned events and other activities.  In order to assist those who wish to attend or promote their activities, the UNFCCC secretariat has compiled a list of known events and activities.  Japan held a commemorative symposium and global video conference on 16 February 2005 to celebrate the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol.  These events took place in the historic city of Kyoto where the Protocol was originally adopted in 1997. (quoted from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change website)

  Go to: the Kyoto Protocol Information and More.
  
  

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3. References to Kyoto in James Joyce's Finnegans Wake
  
  According to Louis O. Mink's A "Finnegans Wake" Gazetteer (1978), there are some references to Kyoto in Finnegans Wake:
  
  KYOTO (KIOTO).  City, West central Honshu, Jap; for more than 1000 years the residence of the Imperial family; captal of Japan from 794 to 1868.
  
534.02  Kyow!  Tak.
550.28  kiotowing  (Mink 374)
  

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Kinkaku-ji Temple

"Kinkaku-ji" (金閣寺; the Golden Pavilion Temple) is a popular name for one of the main buildings of this temple, which is properly called "Hoku-zan Rokuon-ji Temple" (北山鹿苑寺), which belongs to the Rinzaishu-Shokokuji-ha sect of Buddhism. In the 1220's it was the comfortable villa of Kintsune Saionji. Yoshimitsu Ashikaga (足利 義満), the third Shogun of the Muromachi Shougunate, abdicated the throne in 1394. After three years, he began to build "Kitayama-den" (the palace at Kitayama located in the northwest of Kyoto) and he made a special effort to make it a breath-taking site. He indulged in his peaceful life in this serene setting. After Yoshimitsu's death, "Kitayama-den" was rebuilt into a Zen temple in accordance with his will. All the buildings of those days came to ruin except the golden pavilion. The garden, however, remains as it was in the bloom of beauty and can be enjoyed as it was hundreds years ago. Rokuon-ji Temple was inscribed as World Cultural Heritage in 1994. (quoted from the official pamphlet with some additional notes).

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(Friday 18 February) The belfry of Rokuon-ji Temple

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(Friday 18 February) "Kinkaku" (the Golden Pavilion) with the foreground of the "Kyoko-chi" (the mirror pond), Rokuon-ji Temple. "Kinkaku" was originally built by Yoshimitsu Ashikaga in 1397. "Kinkaku" was formerly called "Shari-den" (the hall of Sharira [Sarira: Skt. Sharira: body, corpse] which was the sacred place containing a saint's bones). the elegant, harmonious building consists of three types of architecture. The first floor is in "Shinden-zukuri," or the palace-style: It is named "Hosui-in" (literally "the floor of the Buddhist water"). The second floor is in "Buke-zukuri," the samurai house-style: "Choon-do" ("the cave resounding the Buddhist sermons like the waves"). The third floor is in "Karayo-style," the Chinese Chan [Zen] Buddhist sanctum-style: "Kukkyocho" (?the top floor initiated the mysteries of Buddhism). Both the second and third floors are covered with gold-leaf on Japanese lacquer. The roof, upon which the Chinese phoenix settles, is thatched with shingles. It was destroyed by Shoken Hayashi's arson, an insane 21-year-old monk living in Rokuon-ji, on July 2, 1950. As he confessed later, he set fire because he admired and resented the beauty of the pavilion since he resented his underprivileged childhood and his disease (dysphemia). He had a compulsive desire of being identified himself with the Kinkaku-ji Temple forever. Next day, on July 3, his mother committed suicide, for she greatly worried over her son's mortal sin. The pavilion was reconstructed in 1955. Yukio Mishima wrote a novel Kinkaku-ji modeled after this painful incident in 1956. One year later, on March 7, 1957, Hayashi, suffering from schizophrenia, died in hospital at the age of 27.

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(Friday 18 February) "Kinkaku" (the Golden Pavilion) with the foreground of the "Kyoko-chi" (the mirror pond), Rokuon-ji Temple. The "Kyoko-chi" (the mirror pond) contains many large and small islands.

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(Friday 18 February) "Kinkaku" (the Golden Pavilion) with the foreground of the "Kyoko-chi" (the mirror pond), Rokuon-ji Temple. After the 1955 reconstruction, the coating of Japanese lacquer was found a little decayed. A new coating as well as gilding with gold-leaf, much thicker than the original, was given to the building in 1987. Furthermore, the beautiful painting on the ceiling and the statue of Yoshimitsu were restored, with utmost care, to their original splendor. Finally, the restoration of the roof was completed in spring 2003.

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(Friday 18 February) "Kinkaku" (the Golden Pavilion) with the foreground of the "Kyoko-chi" (the mirror pond), Rokuon-ji Temple.

Ryoan-ji Temple

Daiun-zan Ryoan-ji Temple (大雲山 竜安寺; literally the "Temple of the Peaceful Dragon at the Great Clouded Mountain"), belonging to the Rinzaishu-Myoshinji-ha sect of Buddhism, was founded by Katsumoto Hosokawa, a powerful lord starting the Onin War (fought with Sozen Yamana, 1467-1477) in 1450. The site of the temple was originally Tokudaiji family's estate. This Zen temple is very famous for its karesansui (dry landscape) styled rock garden. The karesansui style was prevalent in the Muromachi Period (1392-1573) under the influence of the landscape paintings imported from China in the times of the Song Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty. This temple was, however, burned down twice in 1488 and 1797. The present buildings were reconstructed after the second fire.

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(Friday 18 February) "San-mon" (the Temple Gate), Ryoan-ji Temple

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(Friday 18 February) Kyoyochi Pond, Ryoan-ji Temple. The pond was made in the late twelfth century. Until recent years many mandarin ducks were to be seen on the pond. Hence Ryoan-ji Temple was generally known as "Oshidori-dera" (the temple of mandarin ducks). The water wells out from around the two rocks in the south. On the islet named "Benten-jima" (the islet of Sarasvati [the goddess of fortune]), is a hall, in which an image of Sarasvati has been housed.

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(Friday 18 February) "Kuri" (the main building or the office), Ryoan-ji Temple

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(Friday 18 February) "Hojo"(the abbot's chamber), Ryoan-ji Temple

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(Friday 18 February) "Seki-tei" (the Rock Garden), Ryoan-ji Temple. This simple and remarkable garden measures only twelve-five meters from east to west, and ten meters from south to north. The rectangular Zen garden is completely different from the gorgeous gardens of court nobles constructed in the Middle Ages. No trees are to be seen; only fifteen rocks and white gravel are used in the garden. It is up to each visitor to find out for himself what this unique garden signifies. The longer you gaze at it, the more varied your imagination becomes. This rock garden surrounded by low earthen walls may be thought of as the quintessence of Zen art. The walls are made of clay boiled in oil. As time went by, the peculiar design was made of itself by the oil that seeped out. This garden of worldwide fame is said to have been laid out by Soami, a painter and gardener who died in 1525. (quoted from the official pamphlet)

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(Friday 18 February) "Seki-tei" (the Rock Garden), Ryoan-ji Temple

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(Friday 18 February) "Seki-tei" (the Rock Garden), Ryoan-ji Temple

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(Friday 18 February) "Seki-tei" (the Rock Garden), Ryoan-ji Temple

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(Friday 18 February)"Seki-tei" (the Rock Garden), Ryoan-ji Temple. I spent here sitting on the veranda and gazing at this garden for about 30 minutes that day. The only thing I could understand is that there are fifteen stones in all in the garden but you cannot see all of them at one time: You would miss some of them from what angle you try to see them. Probably only the Buddha can see all of the fifteen rocks at once. "Know thy horizon." This was my comprehension that day, although many people would soon recognize such a small enlightenment. I would like to come back here to meditate on the Buddha again.

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(Friday 18 February) A small garden between "Hojo" (the abbot's chamber) and "Butsu-den" (the Buddhist sanctum)

Ninna-ji Temple

Ouchi-yama Nina-ji Temple (大内山 仁和寺), 33 Ouchi Omuro Ukyo Ward, was founded by the 59th emperor Uda Tenno in the 4th year of Ninna (888). It was formerly called the Old Imperial Palace of Omuro as it served as a residence for the ex-emperor. The temple is now noted as the headquarters of the Omuro School of the Shingon-shu sect of Buddhism. The headquarters of the Omuro School of flower arrangement is also housed in this temple compound. Among various noteworthy temple buildings as well as two tea houses, almost all of which are designated as either National Treasure or as Important Cultural Properties, "Kon-do" (the Golden Hall) and "Mie-do" (the Founder's Hall) were moved from the Kyoto Imperial Palace and rebuilt here. A major characteristic of the temple structures is that they include "Goten" (palatial buildings), usually seen only in palace architecture. The temple boasts a magnificent collection of more than 600 treasures. In 1994 Ninna-ji Temple was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. (Main reference: the official pamphlet).

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(Tuesday 21 February) Map of Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Nio-mon" (the Gate of the Two Devas, built between 1637 and 1644), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) One statue of "Kongo-Rikishi" (on the right), "Nio-mon" (the Gate of the Two Devas, built between 1637 and 1644), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) One statue of "Kongo-Rikishi" (on the left), "Nio-mon" (the Gate of the Two Devas, built between 1637 and 1644), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Hon-bo Omote-mon" (the Front Gate to the Main Hall), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Dai-Genkan" (the Main Reception Hall), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Nan-tei" (the South Garden) viewed from "Dai-Genkan" (the Main Reception Hall), Ninna-ji Templ

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Shiro-Shoin" (the White Study/Drawing Room) viewed from "Shin-den" (the Royal Hall), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) The tablet reading "Kosanzoka" (功参造化), "Shiro-Shoin" (the White Study/Drawing Room), Ninna-ji Temple. It means that "Prostrate yourself before nature and take things as they are: Know that nature as it is is the most holy and most venerable." The phrase probably has some historical origin in China.

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Shiro-Shoin" (the White Study/Drawing Room), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Watari-roka" (the connection corridor to "Shin-den" (the Royal Hall), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Reimei-den" (the Sacred Hall of the Souls), Ninna-ji Temple. It enshrines the image of "Yakushi-Nyorai" (Skt. Bhaishajyaguru; the Healing Buddha) with the departed souls of the successive Imperial Princes in holy orders here.

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(Tuesday 21 February) Interior of "Reimei-den" (the Sacred Hall of the Souls), Ninna-ji Temple. It enshrines the image of "Yakushi-Nyorai" (Skt. Bhaishajyaguru; the Healing Buddha) with the departed souls of the successive Imperial Princes in holy orders here.

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(Tuesday 21 February) A small shrine in the garden of Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Shin-den" (the Royal Hall), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Shin-den" (the Royal Hall) with "Hokutei" (the North Garden), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Hoku-tei" (the North Garden), Ninna-ji Temple. It is in "Chisen-kaiyu-shiki" (the Chisen-kaiyu style) very popular in the middle Edo Period (1603-1867): The stroll garden has a pond that is surrounded by a path.

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Hoku-tei" (the North Garden), Ninna-ji Temple. It is in "Chisen-kaiyu-shiki" (the Chisen-kaiyu style) very popular in the middle Edo Period (1603-1867): The stroll garden has a pond that is surrounded by a path.

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Hoku-tei" (the North Garden), Ninna-ji Temple. It is in "Chisen-kaiyu-shiki" (the Chisen-kaiyu style) very popular in the middle Edo Period (1603-1867): The stroll garden has a pond that is surrounded by a path.

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Chokushi-mon" (the Gate for the Imperial Messenger) in "Nan-tei" (the South Garden), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Chokushi-mon" (the Gate for the Imperial Messenger), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Chokushi-mon" (the Gate for the Imperial Messenger), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Chu-mon" (Middle Gate), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Gojyu-no-to" (the Five-Storied Pagoda, built in 1644), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Kannon-do" (Hall of Avalokitesvara/Kuan Yin; not open to the public), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Kon-do" (the Golden Hall), Ninna-ji Temple. The building, which was originally called "Shi-shin-den" (the Purple Royal Hall), was moved from the Kyoto Imperial Palace in the Kan-ei Era (1624-1644).

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Sho-ro" (the Bell Tower), Ninna-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 21 February) "Kyo-zo" (the Scripture House), Ninna-ji Temple

Oi-gawa & Togetsu-kyo

Oi-gawa River (大堰川) or the upper stream of the Katsura-gawa River (桂川), and Togetsu-kyo Bridge (渡月橋). The Togetsu-kyo Bridge literally means "the bridge across the moon."

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(Friday 9 March) Togetsu-kyo Bridge, viewed from the riverbank of the Oi-gawa River

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(Friday 9 March) Me & Togetsu-kyo Bridge, viewed from the riverbank of the Oi-gawa River

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(Tueday 16 March) Togetsu-kyo Bridge, viewed from the riverbank of the Oi-gawa River

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(Tueday 16 March) Togetsu-kyo Bridge, viewed from the riverbank of the Oi-gawa River

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(Tueday 16 March) Togetsu-kyo Bridge, viewed from the riverbank of the Oi-gawa River

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(Friday 9 March) Arashiyama, viewed from the riverbank of the Oi-gawa River

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(Friday 9 March) Arashiyama, viewed from the riverbank of the Oi-gawa River

Bamboo Grove Sagano

Bamboo Grove Sagano (嵯峨野の竹林) from Saga-Tenryu-ji Temple (嵯峨天龍寺) to Okochi-sanso (大河内山荘; Denjiro Okochi's Cottage). Born in Fukuoka (福岡), Denjiro Okochi (大河内伝次郎, 1898-1962) was a famous actor of samurai movies. Bamboo or the bamboo groves have been played a very important role in the traditional culture of Kyoto since ancient time. People have long loved bamboo and utilized it for various things, like foods, craft arts, and even building materials. It is a historical fact that the famous American inventor Thomas Alba Edison (1847-1931) also used bamboo fiber from Kyoto as the material for a filament inside of the early electric light bulbs in the late nineteenth century; more precisely, the bamboo from Hill of Otoko-yama (男山) in the precinct of Iwashimizu Hachiman-hu Shrine (石清水八幡宮), Yahata (八幡), Kyoto Prefecture. See the Yahata page.

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(Friday 9 March) Bamboo Grove Sagano from Saga-Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi-sanso

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(Friday 9 March) Bamboo Grove Sagano from Saga-Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi-sanso

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(Friday 9 March) Bamboo Grove Sagano from Saga-Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi-sanso

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(Friday 9 March) Bamboo Grove Sagano from Saga-Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi-sanso

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(Friday 9 March) Bamboo Grove Sagano from Saga-Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi-sanso

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(Friday 9 March) Bamboo Grove Sagano from Saga-Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi-sanso

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(Friday 9 March) Bamboo Grove Sagano from Saga-Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi-sanso

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(Friday 9 March) Bamboo Grove Sagano from Saga-Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi-sanso

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(Friday 9 March) Bamboo Grove Sagano from Saga-Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi-sanso

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(Friday 9 March) Bamboo Grove Sagano from Saga-Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi-sanso

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(Friday 9 March) Bamboo Grove Sagano from Saga-Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi-sanso

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(Friday 9 March) Me at the Bamboo Grove Sagano from Saga-Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi-sanso

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(Friday 9 March) Bamboo Grove Sagano near Okochi-sanso

Jojakko-ji Temple

Ogura-yama Jojakko-ji Temple (小倉山 常寂光寺) is located in the middle of Ogura-yama Hill, or precisely, 3 Saga-Ogurayama Ogura-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City (京都市右京区嵯峨小倉山小倉町3). With the donation by the prosperous merchant Ryoi Suminokura (角倉 了以, 1554-1614) and Hideaki Kobayakawa (小早川 秀秋, 1582-1602), it was founded in the 1st year of Keicho (慶長元年) or AD 1596 by Nisshin (日禎) of Daiko-zan Hongoku-ji Temple (大光山 本圀寺) which belongs to the Nichiren-shu sect (日蓮宗) of Buddhism. Nisshin first intended to build this temple as his hermitage. It enshrines "Jikkai-dai-Mandara" (十界大曼荼羅; the Great Image of Mandala of the Ten Worlds). "Taho-to" (多宝塔; the Two-Storied Pagoda) is worth seeing.

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(Friday 9 March) Wild flowers near Ogura-yama Jojakko-ji Temple

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(Friday 9 March) Wild flowers near Ogura-yama Jojakko-ji Temple

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(Friday 9 March) San-mon Gate (山門; the temple gate) to Ogura-yama Jojakko-ji Temple

Rakushi-sha

Rakushi-sha (落柿舎) is the site of the quiet retreat of Kyorai Mukai (向井去来, 1651-1704) who was the best disciple of Basho Matsuo (松尾 芭蕉, 1644-1694) and invited his master here and edited the haiku collection Sarumino (『猿蓑』) with Boncho (凡兆, ?-1714). The name "Rakushi-sha" (the house of falling kakis [Japanese persimmons]) is derived from the anecdote that Kyorai found all kakis falling down there just in one night. The original building was said to have demolished by 1770. The present building was reconstructed in 1895.

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(Wednesday 21 March) Rakushi-sha

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(Wednesday 21 March) Rakushi-sha

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(Wednesday 21 March) Rakushi-sha

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(Wednesday 21 March) Rakushi-sha

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(Wednesday 21 March) Rakushi-sha

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(Wednesday 21 March) Rakushi-sha

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(Wednesday 21 March) Rakushi-sha

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(Wednesday 21 March) Rakushi-sha

Nison-in Temple

Nison-in is formally called Ogura-yama Nison-kyo-in Kedai-ji Temple (小倉山 二尊教院 華台寺) which is located just north of Rakushi-sha (3 minutes' walk) or at the foot of the hill of Ogura-yama (小倉山). Its address is 27 Saga Nisonin-monzen Nagakami-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City (京都市右京区嵯峨二尊院門前長神町 27). The temple name indicates that it enshrines two sacred images: Shaka-nyorai (釈迦如来: Shakyamuni Tathagata; the Incarnation of Truth) and Amida-nyorai (阿弥陀如来: Amitabha Tathagata). Both images were made by Kasuga-busshi (春日仏師; Kasuga the Sculptor of Buddhism) during the Kamakura Period. It belongs to the Tendai-shu sect since the Meiji era. It was founded by Jikaku-daishi En-nin (慈覚大師円仁; Great Teacher Jikaku En-nin, AD 794-864) responding to the prayer of Emperor Saga (嵯峨天皇; AD 786-842; r.834-847). In the past, when Kyoto was the Imperial Capital, Nison-in was designated as one of the "Four Auspicious Temples" which administered Imperial Buddhist Ceremonies. At times when a high priest was nominated, it was customary for him to visit the Imperial Palace and to receive the "Shi-i" (紫衣; the purple robe), the symbol of the highest rank in Buddhism. All of these ceremonies, however, ceased when the Imperial Palace was transferred to Tokyo in 1868. There are numerous graves for royal and noble people in the precincts. Among them lies the San-Tei-ryo (三帝陵) or the Imperial mausoleum for three emperors (土御門天皇, 後嵯峨天皇, 亀山天皇; Emperors Tsuchimikado, Gosaga and Kameyama). The main gate, the former Yakui-mon Gate (薬医門) of the destroyed Fushimi Castle (伏見城), was moved to its present site in 1613 by a prosperous merchant Ryoi Suminokura (角倉 了以, 1554-1614). The arbor Shigure-tei (時雨亭) in the back hillside is the place where Teika Fujiwara (藤原 定家, 1161-1240) put together the famed tanka poetry anthology Ogura Hyakunin-isshu (『(小倉) 百人一首』: the Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets [Collected at the Hill of Ogura-yama]). The teahouse known as the Misono-tei (茶室 御園亭) holds several famous paintings by Eitoku Kano (狩野 永徳, 1543-1590). (Quoted and edited from the Official Pamphlet.)

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(Friday 9 March) The So-mon Gate (総門), Ogura-yama Nison-in Temple. It was brought from the destroyed Fushimi-jo Castle (伏見城) by Ryoi Shimonokura (角倉 了以, 1554-1614) in 1613.

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(Friday 9 March) The path called "Momiji-no-baba" (紅葉の馬場: the Riding Ground with Autumnal Tints), Ogura-yama Nison-in Temple. This place is often used for samurai films.

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(Friday 9 March) "Hon-do" (Main Hall) enshrining the two sacred images of Shaka-nyorai and Amida-nyorai, Ogura-yama Nison-in Temple

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(Friday 9 March) Mausoleum of Honen-shonin (法然上人, 1133-1212), the founder of the Jodo-shu sect of Buddhism, Ogura-yama Nison-in Temple

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(Friday 9 March) Interior of the Mausoleum of Honen-shonin, Ogura-yama Nison-in Temple

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(Friday 9 March) Gravestone for the Saga family (嵯峨家; the former Ogimachi-Sanjo family [正親町三條家]), Ogura-yama Nison-in Temple

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(Friday 9 March) Stone steps going up to the graveyards, Ogura-yama Nison-in Temple

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(Friday 9 March) Kyoto City Central viewed from Ogura-yama Nison-in Temple

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(Friday 9 March) Numerous "Kuyo-to" (供養塔; towers erected for the repose of people's souls), Ogura-yama Nison-in Temple

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(Friday 9 March) Stonesteps going down, Ogura-yama Nison-in Temple

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(Friday 9 March) The grave inscription for the Tamura/Bando family (田村/板東家), Ogura-yama Nison-in Temple

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(Friday 9 March) The grave stone of the Tamura/Bando family including the famous actor Tsumasaburo Bando (板東妻三郎), Ogura-yama Nison-in Temple

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(Friday 9 March) Jizo-do Hall (地蔵堂) enshrining many statues of Jizo (Skt. Ksitigarbha-bodhisattva: the Buddhist guardian deity of children), Ogura-yama Nison-in Temple

Seiryo-ji Temple

Godai-san Seiryo-ji Temple (五台山 清涼寺) known as "Saga-Shaka-do" (嵯峨釈迦堂), located in 46 Saga-Shakado Fujinoki-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto (京都市右京区嵯峨釈迦堂藤ノ木町46). it belongs to Jodo-shu Chion-ji-ha sect (浄土宗知恩寺派) of Buddhism. It was originally built as a country villa (山荘) named Seika-kan (棲霞観) by Toru Minamoto (源 融, AD 822-895), but later it was converted into a temple, Seika-ji (棲霞寺). The construction of Seiryo-ji Temple (清涼寺) begun with St. Chonen (ちょう然上人) in AD 987 and was completed by his apprentice Seisan (盛算). He founded the temple with the Shaka-do (釈迦堂; the Hall dedicated to Shakyamuni) in the precencts of the former Seika-ji Temple. The present "Hon-do" (本堂; Main Hall) was rebuilt by the 5th Tokugawa shogun Tsunayoshi (徳川綱吉; 1646-1709; r.1680-1709), his mother Keishoin (桂昌院, 1627-1705) and a wealthy merchant Kichizaemon Izumi-ya (泉屋 吉左衛門) in 1701. There are graves of St. Chonen (ちょう然上人), Toru Minamoto, Emperor Saga (嵯峨天皇; 786-842; r.809-823), etc. (Quoted and edited from the Information Board.)

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(Friday 9 March) San-mon Gate (三門), Godai-san Seiryo-ji Temple known as "Saga-Shaka-do." "San-mon" literally means the three gates of deliverance: "Ku-mon" (空門; the gate of inanities), "Muso-mon" (無相門; the gate of nothingness) and "Mugan-mon" (無願門; the gate of non-prayers). People believe that they can be delivered from the three karmas only entering through the gate.

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(Friday 9 March) "Hon-do" (本堂; Main Hall), Godai-san Seiryo-ji Temple known as "Saga-Shaka-do"

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(Friday 9 March) Stupa, Godai-san Seiryo-ji Temple known as "Saga-Shaka-do"

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(Friday 9 March) Statue of young Honen-bo Genkuu (法然房 源空) made in 1968, Godai-san Seiryo-ji Temple known as "Saga-Shaka-do"

Hirosawa-ike Pond

Hirosawa-ike Pond (広沢池). This scenary is often used for the ending scene of TBS TV Samurai drama series Mito-komon (「水戸黄門」).

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(Friday 9 March) Hirosawa-ike Pond, viewed from Ichijo-dori Street (一条通)

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(Friday 9 March) Hirosawa-ike Pond, viewed from Ichijo-dori Street

Matsuo-taisha

Matsuo-taisha Shrine (松尾大社) is located on 3 Arashiyama Miya-machi, Nishigyo Ward, Kyoto City (京都市西京区嵐山宮町3) at the foot of Mt. Matsu (松尾山; alias "Wake-Ikazuchi-no-yama" [別雷山]). It has been worshipped by the local people as the guardian deity of daily lives (生活守護神) since prehistoric age. In the fifth century when the Hata family (秦氏) came from the Korean Peninshula, they reclaimed this area and began to worship God of Matsuo-yama (known as Oyama-gui-no-kami [大山昨神]) as their tutelary deity. They built the shrine in the present site in the 1st year of Taiho (大宝元年) or AD 701. It is also said that it was thanks to the wealth and power of the Hata family that the government could continuously transfer the captal from Nara (奈良) to Nagaoka-kyo (長岡京), and then Heian-kyo (平安京). So naturally the Imperial family have profoundly worshipped this shrine deity and conferred the title of the highest rank of deity on this shrine in the early Heian Period. Since then, this shrine has been worshipped by people over the country generation by generation. Matsuo-taisha Shrine enshrines two deities, Oyama-gui-no-kami (大山昨神) and Nakatsushima-hime-no-mikoto (中津島姫命). This shrine is particularly known as the shrine of the Japanese drink sake.

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(Friday 9 March) "Ni-no-Torii" (二の鳥居; the Second Red Shrine Gate), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) Offerings of hanging harvests on the "Ni-no-Torii," Matsuo-taisha Shrine. This ritualistic offerings are made for next year's crop prediction.

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(Friday 9 March) Parent and Child Statues of "Tanuki" (狸; raccoon dogs), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) "Ro-mon" Gate (楼門; the two storied gate), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) "Hai-den" (拝殿; Worshippers' Hall), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) "Cho-den" (釣殿) adjoining the "Hon-den" (本殿; Main Hall), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) "Cho-den" (釣殿) adjoining the "Hon-den" (本殿; Main Hall), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) Numerous sake casks offering to Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) A mysterious shaped "o-mikuji " (お神籤; written oracles) tree to exorcise the bad luck, Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) Statues of the sacred turtle and the sacred carp, Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) "Gokusui-no-niwa" (曲水の庭; the Garden of the Bending Water), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) "Sokkyo-no-niwa" (即興の庭; the Dry Garden of the Improvised Amusement), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) The worshipping point (遙拝所) of "Iwakura" (磐座; the Divine Seat), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) A sacred tree at worshipping point of "Iwakura" (the Divine Seat), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) The red shrine gate to "Hokumatsu-sha" Hall (北末社), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) The red shrine gate to "Hokumatsu-sha" Hall (北末社), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) The small shrine of "Taki-gozen-sha" (滝御前社) in front of "Reiki-no-taki" (霊亀の滝; the Waterfall of the Sacred Turtle), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) "Reiki-no-taki" (霊亀の滝; the Waterfall of the Sacred Turtle), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) The "Shinsen Kame-no-i" (神泉 亀の井; the Divine Spring called the Turtle's Well), Matsuo-taisha Shrine. It is well known as the miraculous water of perennial youth and longevity.

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(Friday 9 March) The tablet which reads ""Shinsen" (神泉; the Divine Spring), Matsuo-taisha Shrine

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(Friday 9 March) The "Shinsen Kame-no-i" (神泉 亀の井; the Divine Spring called the Turtle's Well), Matsuo-taisha Shrine. It is well known as the miraculous water of perennial youth and longevity. Many sake makers have been mixing this water with their local spring water. This water has been used as a charm to make a good sake for centuries.

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(Friday 9 March) The "Shinsen Kame-no-i" (神泉 亀の井; the Divine Spring the Turtle's Well), Matsuo-taisha Shrine. It is well known as the miracle water of perennial youth and longevity. This lady told me that she drinks this holy water every day. So I asked her, "Are you really healthy?" She answered in a whispering tone, "[I am] Full of many slight diseases."

Katsura River

The lower stream of Katsura-gawa River (桂川), viewed from the bank near Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa (桂離宮). Please note that the Katsura River (桂川) is the official name of the river, although it changes the name at least three times: the Hozu-gawa RIver (保津川), the Oi-gawa River (大堰川) and the Katsura-gawa River (桂川) until it meets the Kamo-gawa River (鴨川) to be called the Uji-gawa River (宇治川) and finally, the Yodo-gawa River (淀川) flowing to the Bay of Osaka (大阪湾).

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(Friday 9 March) Katsura-gawa River, viewed from the bank near Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) Katsura-gawa River, viewed from the bank near Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

Katsura Rikyu

Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa (桂離宮). The construction of the Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa was commissioned by the younger brother of Emperor Goyozei (後陽成天皇; 1571-1617; r.1586-1611), Prince Toshihito (智仁親王, 1579-1629), who was the first head of the Hachijo-no-miya family (八条宮家). Prince Toshihito came into possession of the land at the beginning of the seventeenth century and the construction of the mountain villa was completed in 1615. Prince Toshihito, who excelled in both literature and the martial arts from childhood, built a villa that was both tasteful and simple. It took only a few years. It is believed that the original main building, the Ko-shoin (古書院) was constructed when the Prince was in his 40s. The villa fell into disrepair through a decade of disuse following Prince Toshihito' demise. However, the marriage of Prince Toshihito's son, Prince Toshitada (智忠親王), to Lady Fuhime (富姫), who was the daughter of Maeda Toshitsune (前田利常), the feudal lord of the Kaga clan (加賀藩), brought in the necessary resources and allowed him to actively restore and expand the villa. Prince Toshitada, like his father, had been artistic sensibility and completed the constrction of the Chu-shoin (中書院), Shin-goten (新御殿), Geppa-ro (月波楼), Shokin-tei (松琴亭), Shoka-tei (賞花亭) and Shoi-ken (笑意軒), taking into account the balance among existing buildings and gardens by around 1649. Prince Toshitada also made improvements to existing ponds and gardens and the results of his work are what can still be seen today at the Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa. Shin-goten (新御殿) and Miyuki-michi (御幸道), which are particularly well-known for katsura-dana (桂棚), intricate sets of shelves in an alcove, and tsuke-shoin (付書院), a small room that functioned as a study, are believed to have been built on the occasion of retired Emperor Gomizuno-o (後水尾天皇; 1596-1680; r. 1611-1629)'s visit to the villa. The Imperial title of the princely family, Hachinomiya (八条宮), was subsequently changed to Kyogokunomiya (京極宮)and then to Katsuranomiya (桂宮). This branch of the Imperial line, though, ended in 1881 with the passing of Princess Sumiko (淑子内親王), the 11th generation of the line. The Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa has been spared from the ravages of fire over many years since its construction and remains virtually in its original form today. In 1964, 7,000 sq. m (approximately 1.7 acres) of farmland were bought in order to preserve the villa's scenic beauty in its entirely and it still remains intact today. The total area of the Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa is approximately 69,000 sq. m (approx. 17 acres). In the middle of the villa's grounds, there is a lake with an intricate shoreline and there are five artificial islets of various sizes over which there are bridges made of earth, wood and stone, as well as a boat mooring located near the shoin (書院; main house) and tea pavilion (茶室). There is also a garden, with lanterns and handwashing basins in appropriate locations, with pathways laid out in a circuit for strolling. The structures are built in the pure Japanese sukiya (数寄屋) architectural style. The walk through the garden is one that constantly surprises the visitor with its clever design-- at times the pond disappears entirely from view, only to return in a panoramic vista, with the path itself leading the visitor from the waterside to elevated positions. The Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa has three sets of stepping stones, shin (真; formal), gyo (行; semiformal) and so (草; informal) and one can enjoy the contrast of paving stones and stepping stones while viewing the sights of the suhama (州浜; shoreline) of the pond, tsukiyama (築山; mounds and promontories) and yamazato (山里; mountain villages). There is a keen sense of aesthetic quality in the scenery. Come rain or shine, it is impossible not to admire the natural beauty that can be witnessed in any of the seasons of the year. It is said that Enshu Kobori (小堀遠州, 1579-1647) was not directly involved in the creation of the garden. As it is readily accepted that the styles of both the garden and architecture are those that were favored by Enshu, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa is a place where the art of woodworkers and garden designers, as well as the artistic tastes of Princes Toshihito and Toshitada, have been combined to perfection. (Quoted and edited from the Official Pamphlet.)

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(Friday 9 March) "Omote-mon" (表門; the Front Gate), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa, "Omote-mon" or the front gate is located at the center of the northwest boundary of the villa. The door and the attached wings of this gate are made of polished bamboo stalks. It was originally an imperial gate, and it is now closed except for special occasions. Usually, visitors are supposed to use a side gate, named "Kuro-go-mon" (黒御門), which is to the south west of this front gate. (Quoted and edited from the Official Booklet.)

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(Friday 9 March) The Hogaki Fence (穂垣), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) "Kuro-go-mon" Gate (黒御門) or visitors' entrance (参観受付), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) Teahouse "Geppa-ro" (月波楼), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) Teahouse "Shokin-tei" (松琴亭) over the pond, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The Miyuki-mon Gate (御幸門), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa. The second gate with a thatched roof, which is about 50 meters from the front gate, is called "Miyuki-mon." The thatched gable roof in Kiritsuma (切妻) style is enforced by bamboo rafters, and the pillars and beams are made of oak with corky barks. This gate was made during 1630s for the visit of the ex-emperor Gomizuno-o (後水尾天皇), and was renovated later into today's shape and size. (Quoted and edited from the Official Booklet.)

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(Friday 9 March) The Miyuki-mon Gate, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) "Soto-koshikake" (外腰掛), or the waiting place for tea ceremony at Shokin-tei, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa. "Soto-koshikake" is an arbor with a thatched roof and is used as a waiting place for tea ceremony at the Shokin-tei teahouse. Pillars are made of natural wood with barks, and there are no walls except for the back side. A sand toilet is at one corner. The floor is covered with stones of various sizes and colors. (Quoted and edited from the Official Booklet.)

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(Friday 9 March) Toilet of the "Soto-koshikake," Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa. It has never been used before because you have to sprinkle sand on the floor after using it.

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(Friday 9 March) Cycads (蘇鉄; Japanese sago [fern] pals) near the "Soto-koshikake," Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) Stone bridges and the teahouse Shokin-tei, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) A stone bridge and the teahouse Shokin-tei, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The stone path to the teahouse "Shokin-tei," Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) Teahouse "Shokin-tei," Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa. A stone bridge across the pond leads to "Shokin-tei." This is the only teahouse with a thatched roof in this garden. A tablet on the gable reads "Shokin" (松琴), which literally means pine-tree-harp, and indicates that the breeze though the pine trees makes a sound like a harp. A hill is on the south side of this teahouse, and three other sides are all facing the pond. The building is designed to have cool breeze in summer and warm sunshine in winter. In front of the Ichi-no-ma room of the Shokin-tei, which is one of the best spots to see the landscape garden, a hearth, furnace, and a triangle shelf for tea ceremony are installed. It is uncommon to place a service room for tea ceremony in such a good place for a splendid view, but this layout is one of the important characteristics in the garden designing of this villa. In contrast to the rocky landscape of the front and east sides of the Ichi-no-ma room, a quiet landscape without rocks expands in the west of the room. A landing place for boards is made of cut-stones in the west side of the Shokin-tei, and a stone lantern is placed to mark the landing place. A thatched roof with a triangle gable, adjoining tiled roof, some interiors such as sliding doors, stone hearth, blue-and-white wall paper, which are seen from outside of the Shokin-tei, and a green hedge by the building make an exquisite harmony in the garden. The promenade in front of the landing place leads to a stone bridge, named "Hotaru-bashi" (蛍橋; Firefly Bridge). The channel of this section surrounded by steep hills is called "Hotaru-dani" (蛍谷; Firefly Valley). (Quoted and edited from the Official Pamphlet.)

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(Friday 9 March) Interior of the Shokin-tei teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) Tearoom (茶室) of the Shokin-tei teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) "Ichi-no-ma" (一の間; the first room) of the Shokin-tei teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) "Kamado" (竈; the cooking range) of the "Ichi-no-ma" (the first room) of the Shokin-tei teahouse , Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) "Ichi-no-ma" (the first room) of the Shokin-tei teahouse , Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The outward ceiling of the "Ichi-no-ma" of the Shokin-tei teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The Shoka-tei teahouse (賞花亭), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa. The Hotaru-bashi bridge leads to an island where the Shoka-tei teahouse is located. By the path toward the Shoka-tei, there is a stone lantern, called "Mizubotaru-doro" (水蛍燈籠; the stone lantern of water firefly). The motif of this name is taken from The Tale of Genji (『源氏物語』) by Lady Murasaki (紫式部), and the name indicates that the light of the lantern reflected on the pond looks like a firefly. A small teahouse on the island is the Shoka-tei, which has a thatched roof with gables and pillars with barks. This building was moved from the principal residence of the family in the center of Kyoto. The floor of the house is U-shaped and has four tatami mats. From this teahouse, which is modeled after a rustic tea stall on a hill, a nice view of the garden with shoin buildings and Mt. Atago (愛宕山) in the distance can be enjoyed. A bowl-shaped stone basin in front of the house is taken from a stone lantern. (Quoted and edited from the Official Booklet.)

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(Friday 9 March) The Shoka-tei teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The cooking range of the Shoka-tei teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The Shoka-tei teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The shoin buildings (書院), viewed through the garden, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The shoin buildings (書院), viewed through the garden, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The shoin buildings (書院), viewed through the garden, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The Shoi-ken teahouse (笑意軒), viewed over the pond and the bridge, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) Stone path of the Onrin-do private temple (園林堂), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The Onrin-do private temple, viewed across the bridge, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The Onrin-do private temple, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa. On the slope of the island where the Shoka-tei is located, there is a private temple, called Onrin-do (園林堂). This small temple has a pyramidal tiled roof and a Karaha (唐破風)-style gable on the front side. A hand-rail goes around the temple building, and a Giboshi (凝宝珠)-ornament is fixed at each corner of the railing. This temple was originally built for the soul of Prince Toshihito (智仁親王) and his teacher, Yusai Hosokawa (細川 幽斎), but now it enshrines mortuary tablets and portraits of successive lords of the Hachijo-no-miya family. (Quoted and edited from the Official Booklet.)

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(Friday 9 March) The Shoi-ken teahouse (笑意軒) and a landing place (船着場), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa. Shoi-ken teahouse is located by the southern border of the villa. On the way to the Shoi-ken from the Onrin-do private temple, one of the most excellent Yukimi-type stone lanterns (雪見灯籠). The pond-bank in front of the Shoi-ken -- unlike the other parts of the bank-- form a rectangular bay. As a large rectangular pond in the Sento Gosho Palace (仙洞御所), constructed by Enshu Kobori (小堀 遠州) in 1634-1635, was appealing with its unprecedented design in those days, this rectangular bay might have been influenced by that pond. This design is also practically ideal as a landing place for boats. A stone lantern without s stand, named "Sanko-toro (三光燈籠) is by the shore and marks the landing place. (Quoted and edited from the Official Booklet.)

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(Friday 9 March) Shoin buildings (書院), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa. The main structures of the villa consist of four Shoin-style buildings, such as "Ko-shoin" (古書院), "Chu-shoin" (中書院), "Gakki-no-ma" (楽器の間), and "Shin-goten" (新御殿) from east to west. Each of them has a hipped and gabled roof, shingled with cypress bark, and they were made one after another in this order. The Ko-shoin building has a large gable and a wide veranda with a moon-viewing platform by the pond. The architecture of this building is characterized by open verandas on two sides, which cannot be seen in other buildings in the villa. Floors of the Chu-shoin and Shin-goten buildings are raised high, and the space under the floors is covered with whitewashed walls and bamboo screens. The floor of the Chu-shoin is higher than that of the Ko-shoin, while the floor of the Shin-goten is connected to the veranda of the gakki-no-ma building. Although each building has its own characteristics in this way, as a whole, these four buildings make a harmonious sequence. Various sizes of rectangular shapes formed by lintels, rails, and stiles, as well as contrast of black and white, produced by white paper doors and dark wooden doors, whitewashed walls and dark bamboo screens and lively effect to the harmonious structures. Such sophisticated structures could well revive as the latest models of modern architecture. (Quoted and edited from the Official Pamphlet.)

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(Friday 9 March) "Shin-goten" (新御殿; the new palace) and "Gakki-no-ma" (楽器の間; the room for musical instruments), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) "Ko-shoin" (古書院; the old shoin building), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) "Tsukimi-dai" (月見台; the moon watching platform) and the "Ko-shoin" (the old shoin building), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The Geppa-ro teahouse (月波楼), viewed from the Ko-shoin building, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The stone pavement, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The Shokin-tei teahouse (松琴亭), viewed from the Geppa-ro teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) Interior of the Geppa-ro teahouse (月波楼), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa. Geppa-ro is a teahouse facing the pond, where people used to enjoy watching the moon. The name "Geppa-ro" (House of the Moon and Ripples) is derived from the line (「月點波心一顆珠」:「月は波心に點 [てん]じて一顆 [つぶ] の珠」: "the moon, turning in the center of the wave, becomes a ball") of the "Poem Written at the Xi Hu [West Lake]" (「西湖詩」:せいこのし) by the famous Chinese poet, Bai Jyu-yi (or Po Chui; 白居易 or 白楽天, AD 772-846), and as the name indicates, this building is specially designed for enjoying the reflection of the moon on the pond. Except for the Ichi-no-ma (the first room), there is no ceiling in this building. The exposed backside of the roof is plainly decorated with reeds and bamboo stalks, which makes the room look spacious and light. Among the rooms of the Geppa-ro, the Naka-no-ma (the central room) is the best place for moon-watching. (Quoted and edited from the Official Booklet.)

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(Friday 9 March) The pond viewed from the Geppa-ro teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The garden seen from the Geppa-ro teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) Interior of the Geppa-ro teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) A faded picture, the Geppa-ro teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) Interior of the Geppa-ro teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The plain ceiling (or the backward of the roof) of the Geppa-ro teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The lower part of the Geppa-ro teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The Chu-mon Gate (中門; the second gate), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The Geppa-ro teahouse and the ume tree, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The Geppa-ro teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The Geppa-ro teahouse, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) The Okoshi-yose porch (御輿寄), viewed from the Chu-mon Gate, Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

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(Friday 9 March) "Tsuitate-matsu" (衝立松; the Pine tree at a promontory), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa. This pine tree prevents visitors from having a panoramic view of the whole villa on purpose.

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(Friday 9 March) "Tsuitate-matsu" (the Pine tree at a promontory), Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa

Kitcho

The head restaurant of the famous traditional Kyoto-styled restaurant Kitcho (吉兆), 58 Saga-Tenryuji-Susukino-Baba-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto (京都市右京区嵯峨天竜寺芒の馬場町58). This is one of the best Japanese restaurants, although it only has a relatively short history since the 5th year of Showa (昭和5年) or 1930. The founder and the first chef Teiichi Yuki (湯木貞一, 1901-1997) was a legendary chef of traditional Japanese dishes. The lunch costs at least 36,750 yen while the dinner costs at least 42,000 yen. Reservation is required, at latest three days before.

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(Friday 9 March) The plain but refined bamboo gate of Kitcho , Arashiyama

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(Friday 9 March) The elegant path with the refined bamboo wall, Kitcho , Arashiyama

Myoshin-ji Complex

Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple (正法山 妙心寺) is a huge temple complex. There are 48 "tacchu-jiin" (塔頭寺院; minor temple buildings) in the complex: 38 "tacchu-jiin" within the precinct and 10 (including the famous Daiun-zan Ryoan-ji Temple [大雲山龍安寺]) outside. It is the head temple of Rinzai-shu Myoshin-ji-ha (臨済宗妙心寺派) sect of Zen Buddhism. (The Rinzai-shu group has about 6,000 temples, and c. 3,500 of them belong to the Myoshin-ji-ha sect.) The temple main image is "Shaka-nyorai" (釈迦如来; Shakyamuni Tathagata; the Incarnation of Truth). The temple was founded by the 95th Emperor Hanazono (花園天皇 [Tomihito; 富仁], 1297-1348; r.1308-1318) and Egen Kanzan (関山慧玄, 1277-1361) who is now widely called Muso-kokushi (無相国師) or Muso-daishi (無相大師). The temple buildings were burnt down during the Onin War (応仁の乱) between 1467-1477, and restored by Sohin Sekko (雪江宗深, 1408-1486). Myoshin-ji Temple had been prospered with the support of many powerful samurai families like Toyotomi family (豊臣家) and Hosokawa family (細川家).

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(Friday 12 March) Illustrated map of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) So-mon (総門; the outer gate) of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Approach to "San-mon" Gate (三門;), Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple.

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(Friday 12 March) The two-storied "San-mon" (三門 or 山門) of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple. It was built in the 4th year of Keicho (慶長4年) or 1599. It ensconces the statues of "Enzu-daishi" (円通大士; the alternative name of "Kanzeon-bosatsu" [観世音菩薩; Skt. Avalokitesvara; Kuan Yin]) and the Sixteen Disciples of Buddha (十六羅漢) in the upper floor. A "San-mon" (三門 or 山門), also called "Sangedatsu-mon" (三解脱門 gate of the three liberations from the three passions of ton (貪; greed), shin (瞋; hatred), and chi (癡; foolishness)) is the most important gate of a Japanese Zen Buddhist temple, and is part of the "Zen shichido garan" (七堂伽藍 seven hall temple), the group of buildings that forms the heart of a Zen Buddhist temple. It can be however often found in temples of other denominations too. It usually stands between the So-mon (outer gate) and the Butsuden (lit. "Hall of Buddha," i.e. the main hall).

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(Friday 12 March) The two-storied "San-mon" (三門 or 山門) of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple. It was built in the 4th year of Keicho (慶長4年) or 1599.

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(Friday 12 March) "Butsu-den" (仏殿), Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple. This Irimo-ya style (入母屋造; building with a half-hipped [semi-gabled] roof) building was built in the 10th year of Bunsei (文政10年) or 1827. A "Butsu-den" is the building in which the images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are placed

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(Friday 12 March) "Butsu-den" (仏殿), Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple.

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(Friday 12 March) "Hatto" (法堂; lecture hall of Zen) of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple: It has the marvelous ceiling painting by Tanyu Kano (狩野探幽, 1602-1674) called "Tenjo-ga Unryu-zu" (天井画 雲龍図; the ceiling painting titled "Dragon Amid Clouds").

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(Friday 12 March) Entrance to "Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the great abbot's chamber) of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the great abbot's chamber) of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the great abbot's chamber) of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the great abbot's chamber) of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) "Yoku-shitsu" (浴室; the bath house), Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) "Yoku-shitsu" (浴室; the bath house), Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) "Yoku-shitsu" (浴室; the bath house), Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) "Yoku-shitsu" (浴室; the bath house), Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) "Yoku-shitsu" (浴室; the bath house), Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple.

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(Friday 12 March) "Yoku-shitsu" (浴室; the bath house), Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Illustrated map of Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple. It was founded by Shigemich Hatano (波多野重通) and Soin Muin (無因宗因; the 3rd head priest of Myoshin-ji Temple) in the 11th year of Oei (応永11年) or 1404.

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Taizo-in Temple (退蔵院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Gate to Reiun-in Temple (霊雲院) of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Signpost of the grave of the famous philosopher Kitaro Nishida (西田幾多郎, 1870-1945), Reiun-in Temple (霊雲院) of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Reiun-in Temple (霊雲院) of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Gate to Shunko-in Temple (春光院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple. It was founded in the 18th year of Tensho (天正18年) or 1590. They have the Portuguese copper bell called "Namban-ji no Kane" (南蛮寺の鐘) with the mark of IHS [Iesus Hominum Salvator] and the crucifix. [Miyako-no-] Namban-ji or Namban-dera (南蛮寺) was in fact a church built by the Jesuits in 1576. They also have "Kirishitan Lantern" (Hidden Christian Lantern). You can visit the temple by reservation. In addition, they offer Zen meditation classes and tours in English.

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(Friday 12 March) Shunko-in Temple (春光院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Shunko-in Temple (春光院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Gate to Rinka-in Temple (隣華院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) Rinka-in Temple (隣華院) in the precincts of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

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(Friday 12 March) "So-mon" (総門; the outer gate) in the northside of Shobo-zan Myoshin-ji Temple

Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine (月読神社), a branch shrine (摂社) of Matsuo-taisha Shrine (松尾大社), is located at 15 Matsumuroyamazoe-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City (京都市西京区松室山添町15). It enshrines Tsukuyomi-no-mikoto (月読尊) as the main god and Takamimusubi-no-mikoto (高皇産霊尊). The shrine was founded in the 3rd year of Kenzo-tenno (顕宗天皇; 23rd Emperor, r.485-487) or AD 487.

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(Tuesday 16 March) Shrine Gate to Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

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(Tuesday 16 March) Shrine Gate to Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

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(Tuesday 16 March) Inner gate of Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Hai-den" (拝殿; the worshippers' hall) through "Mai-den" (舞殿; the sacred dance hall), Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Hai-den" (拝殿; the worshippers' hall) through "Mai-den" (舞殿; the sacred dance hall), Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Hai-den" (拝殿; the worshippers' hall), Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Hai-den" (拝殿; the worshippers' hall), Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Gan-kake In-yo-seki" (願掛け陰陽石; the Prayer Stone of Yin and Yang), Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

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(Tuesday 16 March) A small shrine of Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

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(Tuesday 16 March) Pure spring water called "Kaiwai-no-mizu" (解穢の水; the [undrinkable] spiritual purging water), Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

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(Tuesday 16 March) A small shrine dedicated to Prince Shotoku (聖徳太子), Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

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(Tuesday 16 March) A prayer stone called "Tsukinobe-ishi" (月延石; good for wishes for having babies and prayers for a safe birth), Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

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(Tuesday 16 March) A prayer stone called "Tsukinobe-ishi" (月延石; good for wishes for having babies and prayers for a safe birth), Tsukiyomi-jinjya Shrine

Yu-no-chaya

Yu-no-chaya (柚之茶屋) is a Japanese restaurant located near "Koke-dera" (苔寺) at 53 Matsuo-Mangoku-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City (京都市西京区松尾万石町53 苔寺バスプール前).

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(Tuesday 16 March) Yu-no-chaya, 53 Matsuo-Mangoku-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Ad for "Tororo-soba" (Japanese buck-wheat noodles with grated yam on top) called "Koke-no-Tsuki" (苔の月; named after "Koke-dera" nearby), Yu-no-chaya, 53 Matsuo-Mangoku-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Tororo-soba" (Japanese buck-wheat noodles with grated yam on top) called "Koke-no-Tsuki" (苔の月; named after "Koke-dera" nearby), Yu-no-chaya, 53 Matsuo-Mangoku-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto City

Jizo-in Temple

Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple (衣笠山 地蔵院), also known as "Take-no-tera" (the Bamboo Temple), is a temple of Rinzai-shu sect (臨済宗) of Zen Buddhism. It was founded by Yoriyuki Hosokawa (細川頼之) and Sokyo-zenji (宗鏡禅師), a disciple of Muso-kokushi (夢窓国師) in the 6th year of Joji (貞治6年) or AD 1367. It is located at 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City (京都市西京区山田北の町23 ). The famous monk Sojyun Ikkyu (一休宗純, 1394-1481) practiced asceticism in his childhood.

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(Tuesday 16 March) Stone steps to Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Illustrated map of Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) The outer bamboo garden of Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) The outer bamboo garden of Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "So-mon" gate (総門; the outer gate) to Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Approach to Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Hon-do" (本堂; the main hall), Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Hon-do" (本堂; the main hall), Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Hon-do" (本堂; the main hall), Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City. This is the main image of "Enmei-Anzan Jizo-bosatsu (延命安産地蔵菩薩; the Jizo [Skt. Ksitigarbha-bodhisattva] of Longevity and Easy Childbirth).

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(Tuesday 16 March) Small images of Muso-kokushi (夢窓疎石国師, 1275-1351) and Sokyo-zenji (宗鏡禅師; Zen master Sokyo], the main hall of Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Image of Yoriyuki Hosokawa (細川頼之, 1329-1392), the main hall of Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Hall dedicated to "Kaifuku Inari-dai-myojin" (開福稲荷大明神; the Lucky [Fox] God of Harvests), Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Gate to "Hojo-teien" (方丈庭園; Zen Garden), Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Inner gate to "Hojo-teien" (方丈庭園; Zen Garden), Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Inner gate to "Hojo-teien" (方丈庭園; Zen Garden), Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Hojo-teien" (Zen Garden), Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Hojo-teien" (Zen Garden), Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Hojo-teien" (Zen Garden), Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Hojo-teien" (Zen Garden), Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Hojo-teien" (Zen Garden), Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Kinugasa-san Jizo-in Temple, 23 Yamada-Kitano-machi, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City. Their nickname is "Take-no-tera" (竹の寺; the Bamboo Temple).

Saiho-ji (Koke-dera)

Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple (洪隠山 西芳寺) belongs to the Rinzai-shu (臨済宗) sect of Zen Buddhism. It was founded at the site of one of the retreats of Prince Shotoku-taishi (聖徳太子, 574-622) by Gyoki (行基, 668-749) in the Tempyo era (天平年間) between AD 729 and 749. It was greatly restored by Muso Soseki (夢窓 疎石, 1275-1351). The temple, which is famed for its moss garden, is commonly referred to as "Koke-dera" (苔寺), meaning "moss temple" In 1994, Saiho-ji Temple was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." Mosses are most beautiful around the rainy season in June. The address is 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City (京都市西京区松尾神ヶ谷町56).

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(Tuesday 16 March) Haiku monument dedicated to Kyoshi Takahama (高浜虚子, 1874-1959), in front of the So-mon Gate (総門) of Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City: Zen-dera no (禅寺の) Koke wo tsuibamu (苔をついばむ) Kotori kana (小鳥かな) (At a Zen temple A bird pecks at the moss-grown garden. (trans. Eishiro Ito)

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(Tuesday 16 March) The bridge to Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera") over Saihojigawa River (西芳寺川), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Shumyo-mon" Gate (衆妙門), Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Hon-do" (本堂; the main hall) where all visitors are supposed to copy the Heart Sutra to be allowed to see around the temple. Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Kannon-do" (観音堂; the hall dedicated to Avalokitesvara or Kuan Yin), Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera")

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Kannon-do" (観音堂; the hall dedicated to Avalokitesvara or Kuan Yin), Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera")

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Shoan-do-chashistu" (少庵堂茶室), Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Shoan-do-chashistu" (少庵堂茶室), Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Shonan-tei-chashitsu" (湘南亭茶室), Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Shonan-tei-chashitsu" (湘南亭茶室), Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Shonan-tei-chashitsu" (湘南亭茶室), Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Shonan-tei-chashitsu" (湘南亭茶室), Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Shonan-tei-chashitsu" (湘南亭茶室), Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Hyohok-tei" (漂北亭), Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Hyohok-tei" (漂北亭), Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Hyohok-tei" (漂北亭), Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Kojo-seki" (向上関) Gate, Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Kojo-seki" (向上関) Gate, Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Shito-an" (指東庵) Hall, Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Shito-an" (指東庵) Hall, Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera"), 56 Matsuo-Jingatani-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

Kaguya-hime Take-goten

The mysterious Kaguya-hime Take-goten (かぐや姫竹御殿) or Princess Kaguya's Bamboo Mansion is located at 51 Matsuo-mangoku-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City (京都市西京区松尾万石町51): between Koin-zan Saiho-ji Temple ("Koke-dera") and Myotoku-zan Kagen-ji Temple ("Suzumushi-dera"). Seisuke Nagano (長野清助), a local bamboo artisan, built this bamboo mansion taking 27 years after the fire destruction of Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion Temple) by a young monk named Yoken Hayashi in 1950. The house named after the popular folktale Taketori-monogatari (『竹取物語』; The Tale of the Bamboo-Cutter) because this area is said to be the location of the story. Now this house is maintained by Nagano's relatives and open to the public.

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(Tuesday 16 March) Kaguya-hime Take-goten or Princess Kaguya's Bamboo Mansion, 51 Matsuo-mangoku-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Kaguya-hime Take-goten or Princess Kaguya's Bamboo Mansion, 51 Matsuo-mangoku-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Kaguya-hime Take-goten or Princess Kaguya's Bamboo Mansion, 51 Matsuo-mangoku-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Kaguya-hime Take-goten or Princess Kaguya's Bamboo Mansion, 51 Matsuo-mangoku-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

Myotoku-san Kegon-ji

Myotoku-san Kegon-ji Temple (妙徳山 華厳寺) is located at 31 Matsumuro-Jike-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City (京都市西京区松室地家町31). This temple is sacred to Mahavairocana (大日如来). It belongs to the Rinzai-shu sect (臨済宗) of Zen Buddhism. It was founded by Hotan (鳳潭, 1654-1738) in the 8th year of Kyoho (享保8年) or 1723. They are famous for feeding "suzumushi" (鈴虫: "bell-ring" insects; Homoeogryllus japonicus), so known as the nickname "Suzumushi-dera" (鈴虫寺; the Bell-ring" insects' Temple). They are very energetic to welcome visitors with "bell-ring" insects, sermons related to the insects and the Jizo statue of Happiness wearing "waraji" (straw sandals).

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(Tuesday 16 March) Signpost of Myotoku-san Kegon-ji Temple ("Suzumushi-dera"), 31 Matsumuro-Jike-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) The famous stone statue with straw sandals of "Kofuku-jizo-bosatsu"(幸福地蔵菩薩; Ksitigarbha-bodhisattva of Happiness), Myotoku-san Kegon-ji Temple ("Suzumushi-dera"), 31 Matsumuro-Jike-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) The famous stone statue with straw sandals of "Kofuku-jizo-bosatsu"(幸福地蔵菩薩; Ksitigarbha-bodhisattva of Happiness), Myotoku-san Kegon-ji Temple ("Suzumushi-dera")

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(Tuesday 16 March) The famous stone statue with straw sandals of "Kofuku-jizo-bosatsu"(幸福地蔵菩薩; Ksitigarbha-bodhisattva of Happiness), Myotoku-san Kegon-ji Temple ("Suzumushi-dera")

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(Tuesday 16 March) The famous stone statue with straw sandals of "Kofuku-jizo-bosatsu"(幸福地蔵菩薩; Ksitigarbha-bodhisattva of Happiness), Myotoku-san Kegon-ji Temple ("Suzumushi-dera"): So many worshippers gather and pray every day!

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Hon-do" (本堂; the main hall), Myotoku-san Kegon-ji Temple ("Suzumushi-dera")

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(Tuesday 16 March) Myotoku-san Kegon-ji Temple ("Suzumushi-dera"), 31 Matsumuro-Jike-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Myotoku-san Kegon-ji Temple ("Suzumushi-dera"), 31 Matsumuro-Jike-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Statue of a raccoon, Myotoku-san Kegon-ji Temple ("Suzumushi-dera"), 31 Matsumuro-Jike-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Statue of a toad, Myotoku-san Kegon-ji Temple ("Suzumushi-dera"), 31 Matsumuro-Jike-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Statue of another raccoon, Myotoku-san Kegon-ji Temple ("Suzumushi-dera"), 31 Matsumuro-Jike-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Kyoto City viewed from the hill of Myotoku-san Kegon-ji Temple ("Suzumushi-dera"), 31 Matsumuro-Jike-cho, Nishigyo-ku, Kyoto City

Misora Hibari-za

Misora Hibari-za Museum (美空ひばり座) is located at 3-25 Saga-Tenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City (京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町3-25). This is dedicated to the legendary singer/actress Hibari Misora (美空ひばり, 1937-1989).

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(Tuesday 16 March) Misora Hibari-za Museum, 3-25 Saga-Tenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Statue of Misora Hibari, Misora Hibari-za Museum, 3-25 Saga-Tenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

Kyoto Restaurant Gyatei

Restaurant Gyatei (京料理 おばんざい ぎゃあてい) is located at 19-8 Saga-Tenryuji-Tsukurimichi-cho (京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺造路町19-8). "Gyatei" derives from the last passage of the Heart Sutra (般若心経) of Buddhism: "GYATEI GYATEI HARAGYATEI HARAS?GYATEI BOJI SOWAKA" (Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha!). Honestly I have not tried their healthy dishes yet.

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(Tuesday 16 March) Restaurant Gyatei, 19-8 Saga-Tenryuji-Tsukurimichi-cho

Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji

Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple (霊亀山 天龍寺) is located at 68 Saga-Tenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City (京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町68). It is dedicated to Shakyamuni Tathagata; the Incarnation of Truth (釈迦如来). This is the head temple of the Tenryu-ji-ha sect of Rizai-shu sect (臨済宗天龍寺派大本山) of Zen Buddhism. the temple was founded by Soseki Muso (夢窓疎石, 1275-1351) and Takauji Ashikaga (足利尊氏), the first Shogun of the Muromachi [Ashikaga] Shogunate Government.

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(Tuesday 16 March) Signpost of Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple, 68 Saga-Tenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Chokushi-mon" Gate (勅使門; the gate for Imperial messengers), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple, 68 Saga-Tenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple, 68 Saga-Tenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Kuri" (庫裡; the priest's quarters), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the main hall), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the main hall), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the main hall), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the main hall), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the main hall), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the main hall), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the main hall), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the main hall), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Sogen Garden (曹源池), viewed from "Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the main hall), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the main hall), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Sogen Garden (曹源池) and "Dai-Hojo" (大方丈; the main hall), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Sogen Garden (曹源池), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Sogen Garden (曹源池), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Corridors between Shoin Drawing Room (書院) and Taho-den Hall (多宝殿), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Corridors between Shoin Drawing Room (書院) and Taho-den Hall (多宝殿), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Taho-den Hall (多宝殿), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Taho-den Hall (多宝殿), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) A picture of Bodhidharma (菩提達磨, d.532), the founder of Chinese Zen Buddhism, Taho-den Hall (多宝殿), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Shoun-kaku" (祥雲閣) area, Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Oi-gawa River (大堰川) and "Shoun-kaku" (祥雲閣) area, Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Oi-gawa River (大堰川) and "Shoun-kaku" (祥雲閣) area, Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple, 68 Saga-Tenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple, 68 Saga-Tenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple, 68 Saga-Tenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple, 68 Saga-Tenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) "Suzuri-ishi" (硯石; the Inkstone), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple, 68 Saga-Tenryuji-Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Tuesday 16 March) Statue of "Heiwa-Kannon" (平和観音; Avalokitesvara; Kuan Yin) in front of "Ai-no-Izumi" (the Spring of Love), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Stone Inscription "Fukugen" (復元; restoration), Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

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(Tuesday 16 March) Bamboo grove, Reigi-zan Tenryu-ji Temple

Nonomiya-jinjya

Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine (野宮神社) is located at 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City (京都市右京区嵯峨野々宮町1). It enshrines Nonomiya-O-Mikami (野宮大神; 天照皇大神). It is mentioned in Lady Murasaki's Tales of Genji (c. AD 1000).

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(Wednesday 21 March) Map of Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine, 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine, 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine, 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine, 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine, 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine, 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine, 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine, 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine, 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine, 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine, 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine, 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Nonomiya-jinjya Shrine, 1 Sagano-Nonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji

Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji Temple (高松山 往生院 祇王寺) is a temple of Shingon-shu Daikaku-ji (真言宗大覚寺派) sect of Buddhism.The address is 32 Saga-Toriimoto-Kozaka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City (京都市右京区嵯峨鳥居本小坂32). It was originally founded as Ojo-in (往生院) Temple by Ryochin (良鎮) of the Jodo-shu sect (浄土宗). Later the temple accepted two ex-Shirabyoshi (白拍子) dancers, Gio (祇王, ?-1172?) and Hotoke-gozen (仏御前, 1160-1180), both favored by Kiyomori Taira (平清盛, 1118-1181). The two entered the nunhood and lived here quietly.

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(Wednesday 21 March) Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji Temple, 32 Saga-Toriimoto-Kozaka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji Temple, 32 Saga-Toriimoto-Kozaka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji Temple, 32 Saga-Toriimoto-Kozaka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji Temple, 32 Saga-Toriimoto-Kozaka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji Temple, 32 Saga-Toriimoto-Kozaka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji Temple, 32 Saga-Toriimoto-Kozaka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji Temple, 32 Saga-Toriimoto-Kozaka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji Temple, 32 Saga-Toriimoto-Kozaka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji Temple, 32 Saga-Toriimoto-Kozaka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji Temple, 32 Saga-Toriimoto-Kozaka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji Temple, 32 Saga-Toriimoto-Kozaka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

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(Wednesday 21 March) Takamatsu-san Ojo-in Gio-ji Temple, 32 Saga-Toriimoto-Kozaka-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

        

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