Here are two views from Yasaka Shrine separated by time. Both images give us a "bronze lion's eye view" down Shijo as seen from the entrance to Yasaka Shrine. The first is a recent image painted by my hopelessly romantic friend Ichsan. Do please visit his Facebook page to see more of his wonderful paintings. This is the image of Gion with which we are familiar today. And … [Read more...] about Two Views from Yasaka Shrine
Shrines
John Dougill enjoys a seasonal stroll from Tambabashi to Fushimi
John Dougill writes... A pleasant walk through woods and 1100 years of history? In Kyoto? Yes, it’s possible on the south-eastern edge if you walk between Tambabashi and Fushimi-Momoyama. It takes two hours and along the way are imperial tombs, Shinto shrines and an Edo-era escapade. Start from any of three Tambabashi stations (JR, Keihan or Kintetsu). Walk uphill for … [Read more...] about John Dougill enjoys a seasonal stroll from Tambabashi to Fushimi
Yet Another Gorgeous Day in Kyoto
Cities of Green Leaves 青葉の都市 - Ginko no Kukai Last Saturday I joined the Hailstone Haiku Circle's latest ginko no kukai; an international poetry and nature walk being held across the world in solidarity with the city of Sendai. The event was planned to coincide with Sendai's Aoba Matsuri or Green Leaf Festival. This festival with its parade and famous sparrow dance is held … [Read more...] about Yet Another Gorgeous Day in Kyoto
Three Poets at Minase
Here is this month's poetry column from poet and translator Keiji Minato... The Minase Sangin Hyakuin by Sogi, Shohaku, and Socho 雪ながら山もとかすむ夕かな 宗祇 Yuki nagara yama-moto kasumu yube kana As it snows the base of the mountain is misty this evening (Sogi) 行く水とほく梅にほふ里 肖柏 Yuku mizu toku ume niou sato Far in the way the water goes a plum-blossom-smelling hamlet … [Read more...] about Three Poets at Minase
A Kyoto New Year
This will be the last post for the year as I am going home to the UK for Christmas and will be offline for an ENTIRE WEEK! Before I hand you over to John Dougill for the final word, let me wish you all a very merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. Now, over to John! John Dougill writes... The true soul of Japan is neither Shinto nor Buddhist. It’s … [Read more...] about A Kyoto New Year
