Culture
Kyoto Daikaku-ji Temple
Tomoko KamishimaDaikaku-ji Temple, located in the northwest suburbs of Kyoto, contains the same design elements of the ancient Imperial Palace.
Daikaku-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Ukyō-ku, a western ward in the city of Kyoto, Japan. The site was originally a residence of Emperor Saga, and later various emperor conducted their cloistered rule from here. The Saga Go-ryū school of ikebana has its headquarters in the temple. [Wikipedia]
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Daikaku-ji Temple, located in the northwest suburbs of Kyoto, contains the same design elements of the ancient Imperial Palace.
It is said there are three kinds of autumn leaves. Leaves change in appearance during their first color change, the peak, and the withering process. While spring brings with it the ''cherry blossom blizzards,'' rich yellows and deep reds falling around Osawa Pond also produce a magnificent site.
Daikakuji is a temple founded by Emperor Saga. Located in Sagano in the Sakyo ward of Kyoto City.
I didn't know what to expect when I visited Daikaku-ji Temple. It truly amazed me
This man-made pond was built originally for a villa for the Saga Emperor, sometime in the 8th century. It still exists today as part of Daikaku-ji, a temple I really love.
Osawa-no-ike Pond is part of the gardens for the Daikaku-ji Temple in Kyoto. It's a beautiful area to stroll around in the peace and quiet, whilst meeting local residents along the way.
Osawa-no-ike Pond, built in the 8th Century, is the oldest man-made pond in Japan. It is attached to the Saga Emperor’s Villa (Today’s Daikaku-ji Temple). I had a pleasant walk around this peaceful pond on a sunny winter day. Blue sky reflected on the water's surface, where the ice had just melted. The chilly air touching my cheeks was gentle and fresh. Strolling along the path, there was a wide-open field, plum tree grove, and bamboo grove on the north side of the pond.
A hidden gem, Ryokan Yamazaki is worth the 30 minute bus ride from central Kyoto. Tranquil surroundings, hearty food and family treatment will start & end your day right.
While the allure of Kyoto often lies in its historic temples and bustling Gion streets, the true essence of the ancient capital is found in its quietest corners. Nestled deep in the rolling foothills of the Takagamine mountains, ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts offers a different kind of luxury: total seclusion. [photo id='245658'] As the first LXR property in the Asia-Pacific region under the Hilton brand, ROKU KYOTO is designed as an intimate retreat. The resort sits along the Tenjin River, a location that was once an artist's colony, and today serves as a sanctuary where nature, art, and French culinary techniques converge. A Modern Aesthetic Rooted in Tradition [photo id='245654'] From the moment of arrival, the "Dive into Kyoto" concept is palpable. The architecture is a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese aesthetics, utilizing the breathtaking panorama of the mountains as a borrowed landscape. The guest rooms are designed to maximize this connection to nature. For the ultimate indulgence, the Onsen Garden Rooms feature their own private hot spring baths overlooking a private garden, while the Poolside Terrace Rooms offer direct access to the resort’s water features. Culinary Artistry at TENJIN [photo id='245665'] Dining at ROKU KYOTO is anchored by TENJIN, a venue split into three distinct zones: the Chef's Table, All-Day Dining, and The Bar. For the gourmand, Tenjin Chef’s Table is the highlight. Here, the culinary team presents an unconventional take on French cuisine, exploring themes of nature and art using the finest locally sourced seasonal ingredients. It is a sensory experience that requires reservations a day in advance, ensuring an exclusive atmosphere. TENJIN All-Day Dining: This space serves as the heart of the resort's culinary offerings, open daily from 7 am – 10 pm. Whether joining for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, guests can enjoy locally sourced ingredients blended with contemporary French influences. The menu offers both sophisticated set courses and flexible à la carte seasonal favorites, as well as light bites throughout the day. [photo id='245653'] For a more relaxed evening, Tenjin The Bar offers a luxurious vibe with views of the reflecting water basin—the perfect spot to enjoy signature cocktails made from natural ingredients or rare Japanese liquors. Wellness: The Thermal Pool [photo id='245651'] Perhaps the resort's most unique feature is the ROKU SPA and its outdoor thermal pool. This is the only outdoor natural onsen pool within Kyoto City, which remains open year-round. Drawing natural hot spring water from the adjacent grounds, the pool allows guests to soak up the Takagamine atmosphere in silence. The spa menu is equally impressive, based on the concept of "Kyoto Elements," with treatments like the Signature Tenjingawa Stone Massage, which utilizes warm stones soaked in the river waters to channel the energy of the land. Immersive Cultural Experiences [photo id='245659'] For guests looking to connect deeper with local heritage, the concierge can arrange exclusive activities. You can try your hand at Washi paper making with a paper artist, or learn the art of Kintsugi (gold repair) from a master. There is even a Handicraft Porcelain Making workshop that uses soil from the ROKU KYOTO estate itself. A Family-Friendly Haven While ROKU KYOTO exudes a sophisticated, adult-oriented atmosphere, my recent stay proved that it is surprisingly welcoming to families. Traveling with my wife and baby, we were apprehensive about bringing a little one to such a high-end property, but the team put us at ease immediately. The hotel is fully equipped for young families, offering cribs and creating a comfortable environment within the spacious rooms. We were able to enjoy the luxury of the location without feeling out of place. [photo id='245648'] For those with older children, the thermal pool is accessible during specific daytime hours (9:00 am – 6:00 pm) with supervision, allowing the whole family to enjoy the onsen experience. The resort even offers a "Treasure Hunt," where kids can explore the grounds to find hidden items using a secret map—a thoughtful touch that turns the resort into an adventure. The Verdict Whether you are seeking a romantic culinary journey, a solo wellness retreat, or a luxurious family getaway, ROKU KYOTO manages to be all things at once without compromising its identity. It is a rare gem where the silence of the mountains speaks louder than the city below. [photo id='245656']
Tokyu Harvest Club Kyoto Takagamine & Viala is a gorgeous hotel inside the historical Shozan Resort Kyoto.
This new restaurant is easily accessible by foot from Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama Station, and Saga-Arashiyama Station, making it an ideal spot to try authentic Japanese gyukatsu. Elevate your already unforgettable trip with an equally memorable meal.
Kohaku-do is a casual French restaurant in Kyoto, Arashiyama. It is situated just a few minutes from Tenryu-ji Temple. And other train stations such as JR Saga-Arashiyama, Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Dentetsu Line and Hankyu Line are all within a few minutes walk. The price range for the lunch sets is 2000-3000 yen, including hors d’oeuvre, soup, bread, a main dish, desert and a drink-bar. We ordered grilled whitefish and a hamburg steak. Both of the main dishes were quite good!
Foods Choices in Arashiyama. Serene eating encounters with eel or energy of the masses
Nison-in is a Tendai Buddhist temple complex in Ukyō-ku, a western ward in the city of Kyoto, Japan. The temple's official name is Ogura-yama Nison-kyō-in Keidai-ji. The temple is a popular destination during the Japanese maple viewing season. [Wikipedia]
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. In 811 Kūkai is said to have founded a temple, then Honen altered it to the present Nenbutsuji. [Wikipedia]
Gioji Temple (祇王寺) is a secluded Buddhist temple known for its picturesque moss garden.