A short afternoon stroll around the Sakyo Ward provides a sensory feast.
Whilst gardens around the world are inspired by zen landscapes, the perfectly raked gravel, manicured trees, beautiful spring light dancing off the cherry blossoms and mountainous backdrop, are impossible to replicate. Check out the Higashiyama Jisho-ji temple below.
Visiting this part of Kyoto is a must for anyone visiting Japan and here's a taste of what you'll find.
Whilst gardens around the world are inspired by zen landscapes, the perfectly raked gravel, manicured trees, beautiful spring light dancing off the cherry blossoms and mountainous backdrop, are impossible to replicate. Check out the Higashiyama Jisho-ji temple below.
Visiting this part of Kyoto is a must for anyone visiting Japan and here's a taste of what you'll find.
What's the story behind a picture? I watched this gentleman sketch the canal. His finished work is framed in our guest room. Supporting local vendors and bringing home something with genuine memories for me.
Here's a flavour of the intensity of the cherry blossoms which were in peak bloom towards the last week of March. Timing a visit in the spring to see this phenomenon is a must.
Higashiyama Jisho-ji enduring zen temple and gardens.
Arriving just 1/2 hour before closing was such a disappointment.
Whilst the late afternoon sun kissed the trees in a warm Spring glow, and the stillness of lake perfectly reflected the scene -
I wish I could have spent longer just absorbing the mindfulness and tranquility of this space.
Arriving just 1/2 hour before closing was such a disappointment.
Whilst the late afternoon sun kissed the trees in a warm Spring glow, and the stillness of lake perfectly reflected the scene -
I wish I could have spent longer just absorbing the mindfulness and tranquility of this space.
Study the heavy wooden rustic doors and intricate lace like roof line of the Nanzen-je temple by exploring the zen gardens it stands within. Make sure you don't leave the gardens without finding the Water Bridge. The light streaming through the shade of the arches helped me catch this beautiful kimono in all it's vibrant glory.
Possibly the most photographic icons of Kyoto are Sagatenryuji Tateishicho (Bamboo Forest) and Fushimi Inari Taisha Senbon Torii (Thousands Torii Gate) and Kyoto Station itself.
Timing your visit to get the best light if you want to achieve dramatic photographs whilst avoiding crowds of tourists is a mix of luck and patience. Whilst there were hoards of people in both locations, my key tip is setting yourself up, and just waiting for that split second moment when the crowds subside, and grabbing the opportunity.
No trip to Japan would be complete without transversing the country on the Bullet Train. As impressive and efficient the ride and journey time is (as you would expect), what blew my mind was the architectural delight of the station. It's a work of art in its own right and worth spending time admiring, and not just passing through
Follow me back on the Bullet Train to Toyko...