Uji (宇治) is a small city situated between Kyoto and Nara, two of Japan’s most famous historical and cultural centers. Its proximity to these two former capitals resulted in Uji’s early development as a cultural center in its own right.
Tofukuji (東福寺) is a large Zen temple located around 10-15 minutes away from the house. It is particularly famous for its spectacular autumn colors and people come from all over Japan to visit Tofukuji in Autumn.
Like in any other country in the world, December 31st is a special day in Japan. Lots of things happen from Midnight on, as the Japanese people observe the O-Shogatsu.
At the end of the year 2010, we had the chance to wake up in the morning and discover the city under snow. We rushed to various temples as it was a unique opportunity to see them covered with a fresh white carpet of snow.
A Michelin Guide two star restaurant in the heart of Gion, right behind the Kenninji temple.
The Saihoji Temple belongs to the Rinzai school of Japanese Buddhism.
The temple is more commonly known as Kokedera, the Moss Temple, referring to the temple garden’s estimated
Looking at the picture, our first though is “Geisha”, one of the icon images of Japan.
A Maiko is actually an apprentice Geisha or Geiko (as they are called in Kyoto). Their job consists in performing songs,
Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺, lit. “Temple of the Golden Pavilion”), is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. The garden complex is an excellent example of Muromachi period garden which is considered to be the classical age of Japanese garden design.
Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺), officially Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera (音羽山清水寺) is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple is a Must-See UNESCO World Heritage site.
