2013/06/09

Green leaves in Northern Kyoto - Renge-ji, Myoman-ji, Iwakura Jisso-in

Autumn foliage is much admired in Japan, and I myself love them. Now early summer, I am finding green leaves are also very admirable.

Meteorological agency declared that rainy season offically had started a week ago, but no rain for the last week and today. Some of weather forecasters are saying that they are somehow feeling guilty on TV..

No rain on Sunday, so I went to the temples with green leaves today, all of which I have never been to and all are located in northen Kyoto. These include Renge-ji, Myoman-ji, and Iwakura Jisso-in.

Renge-ji belongs to pure land sect of Buddhism and reconstructed in 1662. Renowned artist including Ishikawa Jozan, who built Shisen-do, helped the reconstruction of this temple. The highlight of this temple is garden with lush green. I have never thought that Japanese garden with green leaves are so beautiful.

Next is Myoman-ji, which belongs to Hokke sect of Buddhism and built in 1389. A huge bell, magnificent stupa, and garden are the drawcard. This garden is said to be most beatiful when covered with snow. Actaully the name of the garden is "snow's garden". Nontheless, I enjoyed the garden covered with green.

The final stop was at Iwakura Jisso-in, which belong to Tendai sect of Buddhism and build 1229. This is one of the so-called Monzeki temple, in which relative of Imperial Family served as head priest. This is one example how Buddhism and Shinto have been coexisting for thousand years. The garden is said to be at its peak in autumn as the expression "floor of red foliage" says. But, but, "floor of green leaves" is not bad.

All three are not crowded and located in rural area, where rice paddy can be seen. So try if you are fed up with crowd and too touristy a spot.


Renge-ji garden


Myoman-ji garden


Rice paddy on way to Iwakura Jisso-in






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Software engineer in Kyoto