Byodo-in was founded by Yorimichi Fujiwara, in 1052, by transforming a rural villa of his father. On 1053 the Hoodo-in (Phoenix Pavilion) was added. During the Edo era the greatest part of the temple perished in flames, only the pavilion … Continue reading
Daikaku-ji was the last temple I visited in Arashiyama. This is a beautiful temple, which once has been an imperial residence. Emperor Saga, who loved the neighborhood built here his residence, and his daughter, Empress Seishi transformed it into a … Continue reading
One of the most interesting temple in Agashiyama was for me Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. You climb on a little street with traditional houses and many shops, selling souvenirs. One of them is the Dharma doll, inspired by the founder of the … Continue reading
Nison-in is more visited during late autumn, in momiji time, when the tens of shades of the leaves are a true show. It was founded in 841, and it is famous for the two Buddha’s figures: Shaka-Nyorai, who looks after … Continue reading
Jojakko-ji is a small temple of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism. The 16th. chief monk from the Honkoku-ji, decided to construct this temple in 1596, and live here in seclusion. After you climb a stair, you are at the Niomon, … Continue reading
Before Tenryu-ji, I am attracted by a small temple. It is Kogen-ji, a sub-temple in the big Tenryu-ji complex. Entrance fee is 500 yen and I have the place all for myself. Kogen-ji has been constructed by Hosokawa Ukyou Daifu … Continue reading
In the middle of Arashiyama, Tehryu-ji is a temple with a UNESCO protected garden, much visited by the tourists who come here. This is the head temple of the Rinzai Budhist sect, a Zen temple. It was founded by the … Continue reading
One of my most cherished memory of Kyoto is my visit to Arashiyama, in the western part of the town. It is completely different, it is like you are in a resort, in the mountains. It is a location very … Continue reading
Kinkaku-ji, also under UNESCO protection, is – may be – the most famous place in Kyoto. If somebody is in town just for one day, will visit compulsory this temple. Actually the name of the temple is Rokuon, and Kinkaku … Continue reading
Another great UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto is the Ryoan-ji Temple. It is famous for the karasensui garden (dry rock garden), whose author is not known. Some presume that it was Soami, the same gardener who worked in Ginkaku-ji.At … Continue reading