Culture
Nison Temple, Kyoto: Origins 1 of 2
Shozo FujiiStand in front of the nine dragon-headed statue of Benzaiten inside Kyoto's Nison-in Temple and you will feel a sense of awe.
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]
/135.6691018,35.0216722,9/397x132?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiamFwYW50cmF2ZWxtYXBzIiwiYSI6ImNqbXBtOXYxbDB5Z3ozbHFrazJuYWMwOGYifQ.v15fy_mcFWtgopmz8PhwqA)
Stand in front of the nine dragon-headed statue of Benzaiten inside Kyoto's Nison-in Temple and you will feel a sense of awe.
The nine dragon-headed water god Kuzuryu and lucky god Benzaiten seemed to have fused together. According to Japanese history, there is a large river which it continues to swim across for generations. Put your hands together to pray in front of the statue representing the deity and you will feel the grace of the heavens shine upon you.
I admired and appreciated the brilliant autumn leaves at the famous temple approach of Nison-in, 'Momiji-no Baba (Riding Grounds with Maple Leaves)'.
Enjoy the luxury of relaxing in the garden of Nison-in Temple, Kyoto. Sit on the wooden floor of Misono-tei Tea House admiring the beautiful garden.
The two statues of the principal images of Nison-in Temple in Kyoto are as wonderful as famous maple leaves in autumn here.
Nison-in Temple in Arashiyama (northwest Kyoto) is a fantastic place to enjoy autumn leaves. The view from the top of the hill behind the temple is a secret spot, and especially nice. Most of the people stay at the long approach and at the main temple buildings to snap photos of the autumn leaves. But if you are a good walker, don’t stop there. Please walk up the steps through the cemetery area and climb up the hill. You’ll overlook a stunning view of the gorgeous colored mountains below.
Established long ago, in 834, Nison-in was destroyed during the Onin War (1467-1477) and then rebuilt. Many people flock here during the autumn months to enjoy the colorful maples. If you've got strong legs and like old cemeteries, then a hike up the hill is a must. The more you look around, the more you will find in its ancient burial grounds. I visited in late November, and although the place was packed due to the foliage, after climbing the long steep stairs behind and to the right of the temple buildings, I was quite alone. It was quiet and beautiful.
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']
Close to Nijo Castle in Japan's most historic city, this stylish, modern hotel is comfortable, well located and supremely affordable.
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
Gioji Temple (祇王寺) is a secluded Buddhist temple known for its picturesque moss garden.
Ōkōchi Sansō is the former home and garden of the Japanese jidaigeki actor Denjirō Ōkōchi in Arashiyama, Kyoto. The villa is open to the public for an admission fee and is known for its gardens and views of the Kyoto area. Several of the buildings are recorded as cultural properties by the national government. [Wikipedia]
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto and is made up of numerous trails for visitors to enjoy. For the best photos, make sure to get here early in the morning as it gets crowded very quickly. It's not just the beauty of the bamboo that attracts people. The Arashiyama bamboo forest is one of the 100 most beautiful soundscapes in Japan, which are designated by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment. The sound of the rustling bamboo swaying in the wind is almost meditative. If you walk along the main street of Arashiyama, you will also pass Tenryuji Temple, one of the most beautiful Zen temples in Kyoto. According to Japanese tradition, bamboo is a symbol of strength. Therefore, it often happens that a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine has a small bamboo grove on its premises to ward off evil.