Kyoto

Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine, Kyoto

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

One of the most historic shrines in Kyoto, Kamomioya-jinja Shrine, also known as “Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine”. “Aoi Matsuri Festival” performed in Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine, which continues from the past, is famous and it is one of the three major festivals in Kyoto. It is also registered as a World Heritage Site, this shrine full of history and nature, you can stroll in all seasons very comfortably every season, spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Kamomioya-jinja Shrine has been known as “Shimogamo-san” and “Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine” because the shrine is located downstream of the Kamogawa River, the center town of Kyoto. There are 55 buildings of National Treasures and Important Cultural Heritage sites, which has a taste like a shrine of world heritage. When you cross the “Tadasu-no-mori Forest”, a vermillary torii and a tower will emerge, and the vivid and beautiful contrast by nature’s green and vermillion will spread.

There are records of the fence surrounding the honden (main hall) being repaired in BC 90 and some theories claim that the shrine may have been established around this time. Later that, in the Nara period, Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine appeared as a stage of the “Genji Monogatari” (tale of Genji) and “Makura no soshi” (the Pillow Book). About 400 years after 810, Sai-in (Imperial Princess appointed to serve the deities of the Kamo-jinja Shrines) was placed.
There are also many historic buildings here, and it is also registered in the World Cultural Heritage. While walking leisurely with the long front approach while taking a deep breath, you will feel that the body is being cleansed by the power of healing of forests. You can see autumn leaves in autumn and snow scene in winter, you can feel the seasons of nature as it is.
Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine is a venerable sacred spot that gathered the essence of Kyoto. There are nice shooting spots around the precincts, so do not miss it. This is a spot you want to visit throughout the year, including cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green in early summer, autumn leaves in autumn, snowy scenery in winter, while enjoying forest bathing.

Enshrined God opened ancient Kyoto Yamashiro

Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine, official name “Kamo-Mioya-Jinja”, is in the triangle of land inserted into Kamogawa and the Takano river which flows through Kyoto. Generally “Shimogamo-Jinja” which is a popular name is better known. An enshrined deity’s Kamotaketsunumi-no-mikoto is God that opened ancient Kyoto Yamashiro.

To pray for peace of the nation

The history of Shimogamo-Jinja is old, and it is informed that it was always the holy place and having existed at some distant period of the past before Heiankyo was erected. The record that repair of the fence of the shrine was performed around B.C. 90 also remains. When Heiankyo is erected, it is told that erection prayer was performed by Shimogamo-Jinja. Thereafter it was established as a Shinto shrine to pray for peace of the nation.

Registered with world heritage

Along with Kamigamo-Jinja Shrine, it is Kyoto’s oldest Shinto shrine. It appears in the many historic literary works including The Tale of Genji. It is designated as the important cultural property, and also registered with world heritage.

Enjoy the color of seasonal trees

There are 600 trees of the 600~200 years old in the forest opening around the precincts and is saved as a historic spot of the countries. You can enjoy the color of seasonal trees.

Mystical art event was held

Moreover, the “Team Lab” which produces a variegated art work with full use of technology held the event “the festival of the light in the woods of Tadasu” in 2016. It is a mystical art in which the light of trees or a tone sounds changes in response to a motion of man and an animal.

Information

Name:	Shimogamo-Jinja Shrine
Address:	Shimogamoizumigawacho 59 Kyoto Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-0807 Japan
Access:	Keihan-dentetsu Outo-sen Line “Demachiyanagi-eki Station” (12 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81)75-781-0010
Price:	500 yen (Adult) 250 yen (Under 12 years old)
Official site:	http://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/

Manshuin Temple, Kyoto

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Manshuin Temple is a temple of Tendai sect which is regarded as one of the most famous temple in Rakuhoku, and it is counted as one of the five Tendai five Monzeki Temples along with Shoren-in Temple, Sanzen-in Temple, Myoho-in Temple, Bishamon-do Monzeki Temple. Originated in Mt. Hiei as dojo-seminary for nation protection by Dengyo Daishi Saicho (Buddhist Monk named Saicho with the posthumous title of Dengyo Daishi) around the year 800 AD. After that, after several relocations, Imperial Prince Yoshinao entered the temple in 1656, and it is said that the temple was moved to present location. The principal image of worship is Amitabha Nyorai.

Going through the corridor from the main entrance of Manshuin Temple and going down there is the Daishoin (large drawing room). There is “Jussetsu no ma” (room of Ten Snow) at the east side from the front, “Taki no ma” (room of Waterfall) at the west side, behind “Jussetsu no ma” is “butsuma,” and behind “Taki no ma” is “Hikae no ma” (a waiting room). “Jussetsu no ma” has the sliding screen paintings of Gansan Daishi and Tanyu KANO.
The garden in front of Daishoin is the most important sight in Manshuin Temple. Karesansui (dry landscape) garden is spreading, it is made to have two islands with white sand as the sea. The two islands are named Tsuru (crane) Island and Kame (turtle) Island. Crane is expressed by Japanese white pine which is said to be 400 years old.
Also, throughout the four seasons, the garden in which various flowers are blooming makes us look different from season to season. Especially, Kirishima azalea which makes flowers bloom around the beginning of May is beautiful, deep red flowers harmonize with the garden and it is very beautiful. Autumn leaves are also beautiful, colored trees and gardens have a feeling.
Manshuin Temple is also known as a picturesque spot for the viewing of colorful autumn foliage, and you can enjoy splendid autumn leaves when visiting in autumn. The garden which looks from indoors has become popular as autumn leaves shine in autumn. You can enjoy Manshuin Temple with a different atmosphere from the fresh green season.

The colored leaves of the shrine are splendid

Manshuin Temple is Monsekijiin where colored leaves dyed red-hot beautifully shine in the “Karesansui” (dry landscape Japanese garden). In addition, the colored leaves of the approach to a shrine are splendid, too, and the state that the ground was dyed red-hot in “chirimomiji” (scattered colored leaves) is the best part.
A Monsekijiin is a prestigious temple where members of imperial family and nobility resided for the priesthood for generations.

A large number of cultural asses

It is surrounded by the old tree of a cedar and a maple in the temple with the quiet, elegant flavor, and has a large number of cultural asses.

Wonderful contrast

In the “Karesansui” (dry landscape Japanese garden) of the precincts, A sand bar and haircap moss (a moss growing in wet and dark places) and colored leaves show wonderful contrast, you cannot miss the colored leaves shining in a white wall and a row of maple trees spreading out to the Chokushi-mon Gate (gate for imperial envoys).

The famous spot of colored leaves of Kyoto

Since it is the famous spot of colored leaves of Kyoto, many people come in autumn. A famous spot of colored leaves is also a famous spot of fresh green maple, too. Manshuin temple is no exception, the fresh green maple are beautiful. You can enjoy it at the precincts and the outskirts.

Let you feel eternal time

It may be lighted up by night, the colored leaves of the garden and a pattern of the sand bar rising for illumination, that let you feel eternal time.

Information

Name:	Manshuin Temple
Adresse:	Ichijojitakenouchicho 42 Kyoto Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8134 Japan
Access:	Eizan-honsen Line “Shugakuin-eki Station” (20 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 75-781-5010
Price:	600 yen (Adult) 500 yen (High School Students) 400 yen (Junior High School Students or Elementary School Children) Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.manshuinmonzeki.jp/

Saiho-ji Temple, Kyoto

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

“Saiho-ji Temple” (Moss Temple) is a temple of Rinzai sect in Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto city, an external sub-temples of the Tenryu-ji Temple. It is also designated as a special scenic spot in the country and there is an alias “Koke-dera” (“the Moss Temple”) because the garden covered with moss is so beautiful.
It is said that Saiho-ji Temple was a villa in Prince Shotoku during the Asuka period. Around the time of the early Nara period, a priest named Gyoki changed the villa to the temple. In the Muromachi era, Chikahide Fujiwara, the principal of Matsuotaisha Shrine near Saiho-ji Temple, invited Zen priest Musou Soseki to rebuild the temple. After that, it seems that Yoshimitsu ASHIKAGA, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate has visited many times. By the way, it is said that the Kinkaku-ji Temple that Yoshimitsu ASHIKAGA built was imitated Saiho-ji Temple.
After that, Saiho-ji Temple often suffered flood damage, but it was rebuilt each time. It was around the end of the Edo period that a stunning garden covered with moss was formed. In the Meiji Era, it was devastated for a while due to the influence of Haibutsu-kishaku (a movement to abolish Buddhism), but it has been revived by people’s efforts and has reached the present. In 1994 it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In order to visit the Saiho-ji Temple, it is necessary to apply in advance. You can not make reservations by phone or e-mail. It is acceptance only with round-trip postcards. It is not always possible to visit on the desired date, so it is a good idea to open the schedule before and after the desired date. Depending on the time it is difficult to make a reservation, but it is worth visiting even if it takes time and effort.
The garden of Saiho-ji Temple, which is also designated as the scenic spot of the country, is the work of Musou Soseki. It consists of Karesansui (dry landscape) garden and the Chisen-kaiyushiki-teien style (a stroke-style garden around a big pond) centered on a pond called “Ogon-chi” (Golden Pond). The garden covered with moss is Chisen-kaiyushiki-teien, and the appearance of about 120 kinds of moss growing is very splendid. Karesansui garden is currently only remained with rock arrangement, but it is said that there is still the remnant of Musou Soseki’s work. It is a good idea to visit Karesansui garden as well as the garden of moss carefully and to think in the days when the temple flourished.

The Kyoto’s Historic Monuments of Ancient time

The “Saiho-ji” (Saiho temple) is one of the popular gardens in Kyoto of its beautiful site covered by moss. Advance reservations are necessary for a visit, and an admission fee is set slightly rather high. There is no end to the number of people who worship at this temple. It was designated in a world heritage as “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”, furthermore, it was chosen by Michelin green guide as the three star.

The Moss Temple

“Saiho-ji Temple” is an official name, but is said to be “Koke-dera” (“the Moss Temple”) generally. Approximately 120 kinds of moss covers the precincts, it came to be called “the Moss Temple” since the beauty like a green carpet being spreaded.

The foundation is in the Nara era

This is a temple of the Rinzai sect in Kyoto-shi. It is said that the foundation is in the Tenpyo era (729 through 749) which is the height of prosperity of the Nara era, it was opened by Gyoki known as a person in charge of the construction of “the great statue of Buddha” of “Todai-ji Temple” in Nara.

saihoji2 — scarlet-seals.clover-and-rainbow.com

The carpet of the beautiful moss

You can enjoy the carpet of the beautiful moss anytime through the year, but it is said that the rainy season is the most beautiful. When it rains, moss grows up well, and the scene which moss has a rainy drop, and shines is beautiful.

Steve Jobs came incognito

Saiho-ji Temple is also famous for Steve Jobs (deceased) of former CEO of Apple came incognito.

saihoji1 — scarlet-seals.clover-and-rainbow.com

Information

Name:	Saiho-ji Temple
Adresse:	56 Jingatani-cho Matsuo Nishikyo-ku Kyoto City 615-8286 Japan
Access:	Hankyu Dentetsu Arashiyama-sen Line “Matsuo-Taisha-eki Station” (8 minutes by bus)
Tel:	(+81) 75-391-3631
Price/Charge:	Entrance fee: ¥3,000 or more Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://saihoji-kokedera.com/

Studio Yumekoubou (Maiko Makeover Studio), Kyoto

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Maiko Experience “Studio Yumekoubou” is a photo spot that you can meet unlike usual through experiences transforming into “Maiko” or “Oiran” (courtesans). Various plans are prepared, including “Chibikko Maiko” for girls aged 5 to 12, “Mother-daughter plan” which can be transformed with parents and children, regular clothes for men and “Shinsengumi” costume etc. After the experience wearing the costumes of Maiko or Oirans, there are plans where you can walk around the city. Papa mama should be a very satisfying day for her lovely transformation.
The child ‘s Maiko appearance is pretty, and the way that she walks in Kyoto’ s town in such an appearance is very interesting. For kids, Maiko experience in Kyoto will be a lifetime memory.

The inside of the shop is a different space of Japanese that imaged the movie world of “Spirited Away” of Studio Ghibli famous for animation. Unusual beauty is directed. In the taste of Japanese harmony like Kyoto, you can enjoy a non-everyday space like if you get lost in a different world. Contrary to that atmosphere, comfortable facilities like make-up floor and beauty salon are substantial. Boasting the largest store space in this business, the waiting room is also spacious, it is safe to use in families.
It is 10 minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station and good access. Most of the major sightseeing spots in Kyoto can be reached from Kyoto station. It is a very convenient location as a base for various sightseeing spots after experiencing transformation here. Nishi Hongwan-ji Temple is around 5-minute walk from there. You can go to To-ji Temple famous for its five-storied pagoda and Kyoto aquarium in about 10 minutes on foot. You can also take the bus to Kiyomizu Temple in 30 minutes by bus.
When you come to Kyoto sightseeing, how about trying it out?

To be elegance, graceful and beauty

The “Maiko”, being both elegance and graceful and beauty, walking the town of Kyoto is an idol regardless inside and outside of the Kyoto. It is the “Studio Yumekoubou” to be able to transform into such a Maiko. Why don’t you try getting an elegant feeling there once by being taken a picture in flamboyant costumes by a professional photographer.

You can choose the style according to your preferences

There are plural studios in Kyoto, and the theme of each studio is like “Luxuriously beautifully” as the Kyoto station square head office, and “Pretty and Gorgeous princess” as the Kiyomizu sannenzaka studio, etc.

It is one of charm points that you can choose the style according to your preferences.

Express a tradition and newness

Makeup artists of those studio are professional, and they are superior in a technique to express a tradition and newness.

The ultimate one

Furthermore, after a first-class photographer take your picture redeeming your beauty, and a retoucher revises it carefully one by one, so they finish it to the ultimate one while being natural.

Satisfy your desire for transformation

It is used widely from a small child to an elder over 90 years old. It might satisfy your desire for transformation.
You might feel the culture of “Hana Machi” (the entertainment district) and the maiko closely, if you transform yourself into a beautiful maiko figure.

Information

Name:	Studio Yumekoubou (Maiko Makeover Studio)
Adresse:	511 minami-machi shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto 600-8232 Japan
Access:	JR Tokaido-honsen “Kyoto-eki Station” (10 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 75-353-4423
Price/Charge:	Popular plans for foreigners are here.
Official site:	http://www.yumekoubou.info/

Gion Matsuri Festival

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

The Gion Festival which directs the hot summer of Kyoto taken by the current Yasaka Shrine is a festival that begins from the Heian era and rejects plague and disasters and wish for a peaceful day. The schedule of the festival is a long festival of a period to be held from July 1st to 31st, the main is the pre-festival on the 17th and the post-festival on the 24th. The “Yamahoko-junko” (a parade of beautifully decorated floats) and “Mikoshi togyo” (parade of mikoshi – portable shrines) full of breath are the most interesting points of the Gion Festival.
Early in the Heian era (around 869), plague epidemic spread all over the country including Kyoto, a lot of people died. In those days, it was thought that plague and disaster occurred due to the anger of the pestilence god and the evil spirit of the dead. At the time, this epidemic was said to be the anger of the pestilence god “Gozu Tenno” (a deity said to be the Indian god Gavagriva). Therefore, the people of those days carried out a gorgeous festival, aimed at calming the plague. This is said to be the origin of the Gion festival.
When “Gozu Tenno” was conveyed to Japan as a god who rejects plague and disaster, it became the god of the current Yasaka Shrine, and shrines that worship “Gozu Tenno” spread all over the country. Since it is the guardian deity of Gion-shoja (the Jetavana monastery), these shrines are called “Gion Shrine” and the festivals held there are called “Gion Goryoe” (an attempt to secure protection from the plague of Gionsha, or Yasaka-jinja Shrine). For these reasons, besides Kyoto, there are festivals in various places that being descended from “Gion” like “Hakata Gion Yamagasa” and “Kokura Gion Daiko“.

“Yamahoko-junko” around the city center of Kyoto is so luxurious and beautiful as “a moving art museum”. The meaning of “Yamahoko-junko” is said to make a way for the main god of the Gion festival to purify the evils and sorrows of the city of Kyoto by walking down the floats. Attention is often attracted to luxurious and powerful “Yamahoko-junko”, but the most important part of the Gion Festival is a mikoshi shrine. “Mikoshi togyo” means the peaceful lives of people living in the area by transferring the godly body to the shrine mikoshi, carrying the mikoshi and walking through the areas of shrine parishioners.

Various events are carried out

Kyoto Gion Festival is held in Yasaka-jinja Shrine in July. Various events are carried out for one month, after all the Yamahoko (decorated floats) Junko parade is the most popular.

More than 1,000 years from the Heian era

Originally, it is a shinto ritual of Yasaka-jinja Shrine in Kyoto, the Gion festival that was continued for long time more than 1,000 years from the Heian era. It is said that it began to confine an epidemic prevails at the capital.

The decorations of the festival cars

The Yamahoko is one of the decorations of the festival cars pulled in the rites and festivals of the Shinto shrine.
Installing the artifacts of a house or a mountain on the car, It is called “Yamahoko” which is furthermore decorated with a Naginata (long-handled sword) or a Japanese halberd.

Hanagasa Junko

“Hanagasa Junko” (flower umbrella cruise) on July 24 is also popular event along with “Yamahoko Junko” of the Gion festival which color the summer of Kyoto. A lot of women appear in the event, and its gorgeousness is one of the highlight of the “Hanagasa Junko”.

Feel the history more than 1,000 years

Please enjoy the spectacular of “Yamahoko Junko” and the gorgeous “Hanagasa Junko”. It is a historical and well-known festival of Kyoto, so you can feel the history more than 1,000 years.

Information

Name:	Gion Matsuri Festival
Adresse:	Nijohanjikicho Kyoto Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8412 Japan
Access:	Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma-sen Line “Shijo-Karasuma-eki Station”
Tel:	(+81) 75-213-1717 (Kyoto City Tourism Association)
Price/Charge:	Free
Official site:	https://www.kyokanko.or.jp/

Kodai-ji (Kodai Zen Temple), Kyoto

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Kodai-ji (Kodai Zen Temple) is a temple of Rinzai sect Kenninji school which Nene, who was a lawful wife of Hideyoshi TOYOTOMI (She was called ‘Kodaiin’ after becoming a nun), built in 1606 to pray for the repose of her husband’s soul. Hideyoshi wished for the unification of the whole country, and finally he became Kanpaku (chief adviser to the Emperor). Nene kept on supporting Hideyoshi for life.
At the time of construction of the Kodai-ji Temple, Ieyasu TOKUGAWA also cast a lot of money, it was a gorgeous temple with a vast site of over 300,000 square meters. After that, the scale was reduced by repeated fires and the Haibutsu-kishaku (a movement to abolish Buddhism) that was taking place in the Meiji era, but the six buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties and Kodai-ji Makie (Japanese lacquer) are still left now.

Enter the temple and walk down the route in order, there is a small building. This is a small tea room called “Iho-an”, which is said to be a tea ceremony built by Joeki Haiya, a rich trader of the Edo period, to commemorate his wife Yoshino Dayu. When crossing Iho-an, the garden spreads in front of you. The garden created by Enshu Kobori has Garyuchi Pond in the east and Engetsuchi Pond in the west, across the building called “Kaizan-do Hall” and is designated as a historical site of the country and the scenic garden. On the Engetsuchi Pond there is a “Kangetsudai” (Moon-viewing Pavilion) cherished by Hideyoshi, the moon to watch from there is very tender and heal the hearts of the viewers.
At Kodai-ji Temple, seasonal tea ceremonies are held throughout the year. This is due to Hideyoshi loving tea and tea ceremony well held. For that reason, there are several tea rooms in Kodai-ji Temple.
In the “Midnight tea ceremony at autumn night” held in the middle of autumn moon, the tea that enjoying the moon and insect sounds is exceptionally delicious.

The temple of “Nene”

The “Kodai-ji Temple”, which is known as the “Nene no Tera” (the temple of Nene) (“Nene” was the legal wife of Hideyoshi Toyotomi), was built by Nene to pray for the repose of Hideyoshi’s soul supported by Ieyasu Tokugawa.

Many important cultural properties

There are many Cha-shitsu (tea-ceremony rooms) and many important cultural properties in the vast precinct, it is one of the points the beauty of the view from the hill. Above all, in the temple of Otamaya (mausoleum) used the decoration called “Kodai-ji Maki-e” (lacquer), which is the splendid Momoyama style, you can see the figure that Nene equals Hideyoshi peacefully.

Luxurious composition

Because Kodai-ji has a strong imression of Nene, it has a woman’s touch and elegant feeling.
It is a luxurious composition because it was a place for herself to spend later years.

Famous illuminated spot

The temple is also a famous illuminated spot to view sakura (cherry) flowers in spring and colored leaves in autumn, and it pleases the eyes of the tourist.

It is in a most popular spot

The location is good, too, it is in a most popular spot where is at the foot of a hill called “Higashiyama Sanju-Roppo” (36 mountain range) with Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kennin-ji temple, Yasaka-jinja Shrine which the Gion festival is held in.

Information

Name:	Kodai-ji (Kodai Zen Temple)
Adresse:	Shimokawaracho 526 Kyoto Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0825 Japan
Access:	Keihan-honsen Line “Gion-Shijo-eki Station” (10 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 75-561-9966
Price:	600 yen (Adult) 250 yen (Under 18 years old) Free (Under 12 years old) Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.kodaiji.com/

Ine no Funaya (The Boat Garage House of Ine), Kyoto

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Ine no Funaya” is the eastern end of the Tango Peninsula protruding in the Sea of Japan and is a private house and boat garage house group lined in the Ine district of Ine Town, Kyoto Prefecture. In Ine area, there are about 230 boat houses along the Ine Bay, which is 5 kilometers away. “Ine no Funaya” is said to have been built already in the middle of the Edo period, it is a very historical cultural heritage. The Ine bay with boat houses is a rare bay opened to the south while being on the Sea of Japan side, it is hard to be affected by the wind and is a relatively calm bay. The boat houses are built to protrude on the sea surface of Ine Bay, the first floor is the ship lifting floor and the second floor is the residential space. The ship landing site of the first floor is made to be inclined to raise the ship, and it is also a storage place for fishing gear and fishing work place. “Ine no Funaya” was selected as the fishing village for the first time as the Preservation District for the country, and it became the film and TV shooting place.
The greatest highlight of this place is the unusual and idyllic scenery created by the shipyard and the sea. Because a pleasure boat is also operated in the Ine Bay, it may be good to look at it from the ocean. Route to explore the Ine Bay area with the group of the boat houses is recommended. If you take a leisurely walk and feel the nature such as Funaya and the sea, you can enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto.

Venezia in Japan

The calm Gulf of Ine lined with “Ine no Funaya”. The scenery is like Venezia in Japan.

The fisherman’s house

This is Ine-cho of the Sea of Japan of North Kyoto. The group of Funaya exceeding 230 which quietly lined with is one of sightseeing spot having the mysterious scenery such as the mirage floating on the surface of the water in Kyoto. It is the fisherman’s house with the superb view setting up the home on the cabinet of the boat.

Nation’s Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings

In Ine-cho at the east end of Tango Peninsula, people call the garage of the boat “Funaya”. The scenery that more than 230 Funaya lined with along the 5 kilometers of gulf is spectacular, it is very rare in Japan, and it was designated as the Nation’s Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings, too.

inenofunaya3 — ryohei8211.blog130.fc2.com

Superb view spot

A peninsula facing the Sea of Japan becomes the buffering wall and forms shorelines of less waves and wind facing south. Because there are few waves, the beautiful cobalt blue sea becomes the superb view spot around the group of Funaya.

Information

Name:	Ine no Funaya (The Boat Garage House of Ine)
Adresse:	Yosagun Inecho, Kyoto 626-0401 Japan
Access:	Kyoto Tango Railway “Ama-no-Hashidate-eki Station” (60 minutes by bus)
Tel:	(+81) 772-32-0277
Price/Charge:	Sea taxis Time: around 30 minutes Cost: Adults 1,000 yen, Children (Elementary school students) 500 yen Sightseeing boats around Ine Bay Time：Approx. 25 minutes Cost: Adults 680 yen, Children (Elementary school students) 340 yen Guided tour around Ine`s funaya and mondori experience（English guidance available） Time: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes Cost: Adults 2,300 yen, Children (Elementary school students) 1,800 yen Please participate in groups of at least 2 people. Prior reservation is necessary (up to 5 days before) 　　　 Email　inekankou@gmail.com Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.ine-kankou.jp/

Kennin-ji (The Oldest Zen Temple), Kyoto

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Kennin-ji Temple is located in the immediate vicinity of the ornate Gion, the head temples of the Rinzai sect Kenji temple, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. It is opened by Eisai Zen master who was the founder of Rinzai sect and boasts the third formality in Kyoto Gozan (the five great Zen temples of Kyoto). There are many sub-temples in the vast precincts and it is famous for possessing many cultural assets including “Fujin Raijin-zu byobu” (The folding screens of Wind God and Thunder God).
The premises of Kennin-ji Temple are wide and the temple buildings are magnificent.

Just a round of the temple buildings, it will take some time. Because Kennin-ji Temple was often hit by battle, the building of the time of construction was not left. However, from the end of Warring States Period to the Meiji era, the temple was settled by rebuilding and relocation from other temples. Many buildings are designated as important cultural assets, which is worth a visit.
Kennin-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, owns a lot of Temple treasure. Especially famous is “Fujin Raijin-zu byobu” which is designated as a national treasure. Currently, the folding screen that is on display at Kennin-ji Temple is an elaborate replica, but still it has a powerful beauty from the golden appearance that is lighted up. In addition, a lot of “Fusuma-e” (sliding screen paintings) and soryu-zu (drawing of two dragons) drawn on the ceiling of Hatto (Lecture Hall) are a must-see.

It seems that you usually see the picture of the national treasure grade in a museum, but you can see it while keeping its state as Momoyama era facing the garden which is widely opened in the Kennin-ji temple.

Thanks to a high definition digital replication technology, they realized such a thing as one of the commemorative projects of 800 years from the death of Eisai Zenji.
Without worrying about deterioration by ultraviolet rays or the dust, you can confront a picture at this Japanese place in the present age

The figure of the “Fujin-Raijin zu Byoubu” (“Picture of god of the wind and god of thunder in folding screen”) is important in Japanese history of art. This picture drew by Sotatsu Tawaraya is said to be the symbol of Rimpa (Rimpa school of painting), and welcome when you enter the temple at the very beginning.

This dragon is the thing which was drawn in the Heisei era, but it seems to melt into the building of the sermon hall as if it lived here from old days. The size of the dragon may not appeal because a sermon hall is big, but its area is equivalent to 108 pieces of tatami mats (Approximately 200 square meter).

The dragon is said to be “God controlling water”. It seems that they quietly watch over the temple and people from the sky.

The Zen meditation classes and copying sutras classes are started at 8:00 a.m. of second Sunday every month. It seems that you can experience it without reservation.

Information

Name:	Kennin-ji (The Oldest Zen Temple Kenninji)
Adresse:	Komatsu-cho 584, Yamato Oji Dori Shijo Sagaru, Higasiyama-ku, Kyoto-city Kyoto 605-0811 Japan
Access:	Keihan Railway line "Gion-shijo-eki Station” (7 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 75-561-6363
Price/Charge:	500 yen (Adult) 300 yen (High School Students or Under) 200 yen (Elementary School Children) Free (Preschool Children) Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.kenninji.jp/

Akari Design Kobo (Design Workshop of Lighting), Kyoto

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

The lights of Japanese paper full of the unique sense of Kyoto

“Akari Design Kobo” (Akari Design Workshop) holds handmade experiences of Washi (Japanese paper) lighting in Kyoto. It is Kyoto’s elegant Japanese paper lighting factory. Akari Design Kobo uses workshop’s own handmade Japanese paper to produce original design Japanese paper lighting. You can also make handmade experiences with workshop. The light of Japanese paper making use of the unique sense of Kyoto is a lovely design that is relieved.
The workshop is a nearest station from Enramachi-eki Station near JR Kyoto Station, so it is a good point that you can easily stop by to travel. Please visit Akari Design Kobo where the gentle light that wraps people’s heart is overflowing. Lighting of Japanese paper cuddling up to life. Akari Design Kobo regards Japanese paper lighting as a tool to direct space rather than just lighting fixtures. Being surrounded by warm rich Japanese paper, and spend everyday with a calm feeling. From such thought, Akari Design Kobo is creating a light that fit gently to modern times without being caught by Japanese or foreign. Why don’t you visit the lights of Japanese paper full of the unique sense of Kyoto.

The Washi (the Japanese traditional paper) is used for not only paper to write on, but also daily necessities. A lot of modern goods using Washi appear these days, above all, “the illumination” attracts attention in particular.

All of them are masterpieces which you want to use in every scene everyday

The light to see through Japanese paper is a soft thing with the warmth. You will probably be healed just to see. The Japanese paper illumination of “Akari Design Kobo” is not only beautiful and gentle light, but the thing of the wonderful design. All of them are masterpieces which you want to use in every scene everyday.

The light of the Japanese paper which used a sense only in Kyoto is a wonderful design to be relieved.

You can make the only light in the world in the class of “the Japanese paper illumination handmade experience”.

The best for a present to precious to you

Although it is “light” indispensable to our life, light with the warmth of the lighting using Japanese paper wrap the heart which got tired and heal. Since it supports custom-made one in “Akari Design Kobo”, so it is most suitable for a person who wants the lighting of suit to one’s taste, and also it is the best for a present to precious to you.

Information

Name:	Akari Design Kobo (Design Workshop of Lighting)
Adresse:	422, Shimono-cho,Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8365 Japan
Access:	JR Sagano-sen line "Enmachi-eki Station” (10 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 75-496-8835
Price/Charge:	Hands-on experience： 5,000 yen or 6,000 yen per person (tax inclusive) Capacity for Visitors are 1 to 6 people. Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.kyoto-akari.com

Byodoin-Hoo-Do (Byodoin Phoenix Hall), Kyoto

By finder Leave a Comment

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Byodoin Temple in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture is a famous temple because it is designed as a Japanese ten yen coin. It is a temple representative of the 11th century and it is also the precious historical site existing only in the temple which the nobility of the Heian era built. In 1994, it was registered as a World Heritage Site.
Byodoin Temple has been collecting people’s faith from the Heian period to the present. Currently, many people are visiting not only from Japan but also from overseas.

During the Heian period, the Uji area was a noble family resort, and Byodoin also was a villa of MINAMOTO no Toru at the beginning. After that, MINAMOTO no Yorimichi renovated this villa into a temple. This is the beginning of Byodoin.
Byodoin gathered the faith of the aristocrats and the emperor as a temple that recreated the Pure Land in the West in this world. Even if the samurai began to take over the administration in the Kamakura period, the temple continued to flourish without devastation or decline. In 1336, many of the cathedral burned down due to the battle between Masashige KUSUNOKI and Takauji ASHIKAGA, but only the Hoo-Do (Phoenix Hall) miraculously escaped burning.
A lot of flowers and trees are planted in the precincts of Byodoin.
Kyoto is famous for having many sights of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, but Byodoin is a famous temple as a wisteria trees.

Here is Kyoto, Uji. There is the beautiful temple standing still on this ground which was the stage of “Genji-Monogatari” (The Tale of Genji) more than eternal time.

This is the World Cultural Heritage site “Byodoin-Hoo-Do” which finished the repair period of two years, and revived with a figure at the time of the foundation. Please see the beautiful figure which was registered with the world cultural heritage.

The origin of Byodoin dates back to AD 1052.
The figure engraved on the face of 10 yen coin is quite familiar with Japanese. However, we feel admiration for its size, dignified appearance, the vivid coloration, when we see it with our own eyes.

This scenery must have been beyond a doubt the Buddhists’ paradise appeared for people wholeheartedly wishing to go to the Land of Happiness. The architecture built on island in a pond is like the palace floating in the treasure pond of the Land of Happiness.

Jodo-shiso (Pure Land Buddhism) which was prosperous in the Heian era. Byodoin-Hoo-Do which expressed the view of its world, Like Phoenix which greatly widened a feather, is the splendid appearance which makes me recollect “the Pure Land in the West”.

Information

Name:	Byodoin-Hoo-Do (Phoenix Hall)
Adresse:	116 Uji Renge, Uji-shi, Kyoto 611-0021 Japan
Access:	JR Nara-sen line "Uji-eki Station” (10 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 774-21-2861
Price:	600 yen (Adult) 400 yen (Junior High and High School Students) 300 yen (Elementary School Students) Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.byodoin.or.jp/

Kyoto

Information

Information

Information

Information

Information

Information

Information

Information

Information

Information

Footer

Newsletter