Zen Gardens

Another rain-free day in Kyoto. We made good use of the JR rail passes and visited some beautiful temples and the associated gardens. Where to begin?


The many temples in the Tofukuji complex would occupy any visitor for days.

We visited Tofukuji, the main temple first. The several walled gardens associated and separate buildings feature moss, gravel and rock. Each of these "Zen" gardens has a particular story and all have a delightfully calming quality. In the grounds of the complex there are gardens which feature beautiful example of mass planting of Japanese Maple; the fine, bright green leaves seem to glow against the sky and beneath the branches you feel as though you are waking under delicate parasols. With the ground covered with moss the whole effect is enthralling. Most pleasant is the lack of noise, other than wind and birds and this no more than 300 metres from the JR rail line - amazing!

We walked on to Komyoin Temple not knowing anything about the place. We were truly blown away but the serenity and beauty of this "minor" temple. The buildings were an excellent example of Japanese simplicity; some would say, "Stark"- we say, "Calm, clean and uncluttered." The "Zen" garden and its setting of Azalea and Japanese Maple is complete with a small waterfall. Sounds were wind, birds and water - sublime! This temple is a real gem which we hope stays of the tourist track ...

Lunch beckoned ... On the way we were side tracked by Reiunin with its garden. This garden was rebuilt in 1970 and is an excellent example of its type. Another quiet oasis.

We took the JR train to Uji where we had a short walk to Byodoin Temple. The main hall was build just before the Norman invasion of England - we find that very thought provoking! We got there just before four bus-loads of school kids invaded the place - phew ...

We had intended to walk to several other sites, but the route we took included two bridges which were closed due to the river being in flood. The volume of water was both impressive and unnerving especially when we saw the boats that were used for tourist trips.

Back to the JR station and Kyoto. A visit to the cafe, a subway trip and the supermarket rounded off the day; a short seven hour tromp with little or no steps, but we're still tired ...