At the beginning, on the place where the Osaka Castle can be seen today, it was a temple constructed on 1496. After 14 years of fightings, the shogun Hideyoshi Toyotami took the territory and begun to build a mighty fortress. … Continue reading
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
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
Okochi Sansa Vila and its garden were constructed during a period of 30 years by Okochi Sansa, a very popular actor of the mute Japanese film. It is a wonderful place, where you may wander in a big garden, viewing … 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
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