Culture
Keishun-in Temple in Kyoto
Peter SidellIn Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto, Keishun-in is a very peaceful Zen Buddhist temple, with tranquil gardens unchanged in centuries.
Keishunin (桂春院) is one of the sub-temples of Myoshin-ji containing gardens and a teahouse.
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In Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto, Keishun-in is a very peaceful Zen Buddhist temple, with tranquil gardens unchanged in centuries.
The Keishun-in Temple garden is small and simple; quite lovely in early May. It was nice to sit quietly and soak up the fresh air.
Close to Nijo Castle in Japan's most historic city, this stylish, modern hotel is comfortable, well located and supremely affordable.
Mrs. Matsui’s family home was previously a workshop that produced hand-woven obi sashes. Today, the guest room is open for guests to experience an authentic side of Kyoto, with views of the courtyard garden on two sides. Experience sleeping Japanese style on the futon bedding, laid out on a tatami straw mat. There is air conditioning and heating, as well as tea making facilities. Like many old houses, the shower and bathroom are located in the courtyard. Alternatively, walk down to the public bath or sento, or try the bicycle to explore further afield. Kinkakuji, or the Golden Temple is a short ride away, as is the Ryoanji stone garden.
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.
Miyako Soba is a small restaurant located in Saiinkozanjicho, just across by McDonald's near Saiin Station. It is well priced and located near Kawaramachi where people come and go day and night.
An 80-year-old bathhouse is transformed into a cafe, whilst retaining its features reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki's Academy Award winning film 'Spirited Away'.
With the growing popularity of veganism, particularly in Japan, vegans can now enjoy ramen at both entirely vegan and vegan-friendly joints throughout the country. Here are three spots to check out in Kyoto.
Taizō-in is the oldest sub-temple of the Myōshin-ji Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple, situated in the northwest of Kyoto, Japan. It was founded by Zen priest Muinsoin in 1404. The original temple buildings were burned during the Ōnin War, and were later rebuilt. Taizō-in is well known for its two gardens. [Wikipedia]
Ninna-ji Temple was founded in 888 and is a Buddhist temple in northeast Kyoto that is closely associated with the imperial family of Japan. It is the main temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. There are many Omuro School temples throughout Japan and many priests from these temples come to Ninna-ji to attend Buddhist services and to study and train in the main temple of their sect. Ninna-ji Temple is known not only for the building itself, but also for its prime location as a viewpoint for the late cherry blossom. He also has a beautiful Japanese garden from which you can see the famous five-story pagoda. Behind Ninna-ji Temple is the Omuro Pilgrimage, a shorter version of the Shikoku pilgrimage. This route can be covered in about two hours on foot, but is believed to have the same meaning as the Shikoku pilgrimage.
Ryoanji Temple is home to Japan’s most famous Zen stone garden and one of Kyoto’s most iconic scenes. Believed to be built back in the Muromachi period (14th - 16th century), the origin and designer of the garden is still unknown to this day. The stones in the garden are intentionally placed so that one cannot view all 15 stones from any one angle. The meticulous design of this karesansui (Japanese rock garden) leads many to credit the celebrated artist, Soami, as the garden’s creator—albeit unproven. The 248-square meter garden bears little trace of greenery, and is instead immaculately lined with raked white gravel. The seemingly random placement of the stones adds to the mystique of Ryoan-ji, its abstract layout leaving visitors questioning the meaning and purpose of the garden. While the garden remains a mystery, the history of Ryoanji Temple is well documented. The temple buildings were originally a Heian Period villa, and were converted into a Zen temple in 1450. Now, Ryoanji is part of the Myoshin-ji school in the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. In 1994, Ryoanji’s immaculate zen stone garden was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is also designated as a Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto.