Kyoto

A Painting of Autumn Leaves

Autumn, the master impressionist

Takako Sakamoto Dec 03, 2014 - 2 min read

<p>The Garden of Ju-Gyu (ten oxen) viewed from the main hall of Hojo</p>

<p>The garden covered with soft moss with a crape myrtle tree in front</p>

<p>Suikinkutsu (Water Koto Cave) and a stone lantern with a splash of red maple leaves</p>

<p>Red carpet on the outside veranda harmonizes with the burning-red maple leaves in the garden</p>

<p>The Garden of Ju-Gyu (ten oxen) in the early morning before morning sun reaches it</p>

<p>The thin, clear sound of a suikin (water koto) echoes in the garden</p>

<p>The Garden of Ju-Gyu (ten oxen) is a strolling garden round a pond, designed according to Ten Ox Herding Pictures</p>

<p>Fallen leaves add richness to the beautiful autumn scenery</p>

<p>Red light filtering through from the outside veranda and the lattice window at the entrance of Hojo building</p>

I revisited Enkoji Temple in Rakuhoku area in Kyoto, for 'Autumn Leaves at Dawn: Special Viewing' on the 22nd of November, 2014.

This temple usually opens at 9 A.M., but during the peak of autumn leaf season it opens to the public from 7:30 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. ( limited to 50 people daily). Since a reservation is needed, and opening dates varies every year, you'd better check with the temple prior to your visit.

Without question, the highlight of this temple is the Garden of Jugyu (ten oxen)' viewed from the Hojo building. It looks like a autumn painting in a frame. This garden was designed based on a Zen pictorial allegory known as the 'Ten Ox Herding Pictures'. It was to appreciate the beautiful autumn leaves in this strolling garden around a pond that I came to the crowded Kyoto at the peak of autumn.

Enkoji: The Splendid Garden of Rakuhoku, Kyoto 1. A Painting of Autumn Leaves 2. Soothing Scenery of Enkoji 3. Strolling Around Seiryuchi Pond

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...