A few weeks ago I spent two pleasant days exploring the Zen temple complex of Myoshin-ji in north-western Kyoto. The results are now up on Chris Rowthorn's Inside Kyoto website. This is my last article of 2015. Myoshin-ji, or “Sublime Heart Temple,” is a massive Zen temple complex in the north west of Kyoto. In addition to its main buildings the grounds contain 46 … [Read more...]
Exploring Daitoku-ji on Inside Kyoto
Last month I spent a couple of days exploring the Zen gardens of the Daitoku-ji Temple complex, and the results are now up on Chris Rowthorn's Inside Kyoto website. Daitoku-ji was originally built as a small Zen temple in 1319. Like many historical sites in Kyoto, it was repeatedly destroyed by war and fire before being rebuilt on a grander scale by Zen master Ikkyu Sojun … [Read more...]
A Trip to Uji on Inside Kyoto
My article, A Trip to Uji, is now up on Chris Rowthorn's Inside Kyoto site. In it I describe a complete circuit of all of Uji's major sites. Uji is a remarkably well preserved town with several shrines and temples of historical interest, including two World Heritage Sites, and all set within a beautiful natural landscape. Many locations there are associated with the Tale of … [Read more...]
Exploring Fushimi on Inside Kyoto
My latest article for Inside Kyoto is an exploration of the backstreets and waterways of Fushimi - Kyoto's famed sake making district. Included in the article are places to taste sake, a boating cruise, a visit to the Teradaya Inn (where Sakamoto Ryoma narrowly escaped assassination), and a Buddhist temple dedicated to a Hindu river deity that happens to have a Hidden Christian … [Read more...]
Regarding the Cherry Blossoms in Okazaki, Kyoto
Just over a year ago I took a walk in Okazaki just before the cherry blossoms bloomed, and recorded my thoughts for the book Deep Kyoto: Walks. I was primarily focused on the architecture of the area, a lot of which dates from the Meiji era. Throughout my walk though I was very conscious of those cherry blossom buds which were "just about to pop". So a week later I went back … [Read more...]
