Heritage
RESTORATIVE TRADITIONS
In Japan, centuries-old traditions are retained within a modern lifestyle that prizes respect, reserve, and self-enlightenment. Whether through mountain walks or meditative retreats, the country's extraordinary beauty and ancient customs will stir the soul.
In Kyoto, the Ryoanji Temple features a kare-sansui rock garden with an arrangement of stones and boulders inviting quiet contemplation. Water, one of the main elements of traditional Japanese culture, is represented in the rock garden using raked patterns in the sand to suggest rippling water, symbolizing the sea. The clean beauty of the 15-stone Zen garden will also delight viewers in its design which hides one stone from every angle.
While in Kyoto, also be sure to check out the Kiyomizudera, or Pure Water Temple located in the foothills. This beautiful Buddhist temple, originally founded in 778, is one of the most popular attractions in all of Kyoto.
After walking the grounds, be sure to visit the Otowa Waterfall where you can use long wooden poles to fill cups of "Clear Water" that is said to have the power to prevent illness. Grab a cup and have a cool refreshing drink before returning down the gentle slope to the city below.
QUICK GUIDE
- Ryoanji Temple: 15-Stone Zen Garden invites quiet contemplation.
- City Bus and JR Bus: Ryoanji-mae Stop - walk 1 min
- Keifuku Rlwy: Ryoanji Stop - walk 7 min
- Hours: 8am to 5pm (Dec-Mar 8:30 am to 4:30 pm).
- Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion): Famous Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
- City Bus: Kinkakujimichi - walk 3 min / Kinkakujimae - walk 1 min
- Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
- Kiyomizudera Temple: One of the oldest Buddhist Temples in the city.
- Keihan Rlwy and Hankyu Rlwy: Shijo Stn. - walk 30 min.
- City Bus: Kiyomizumichi/Gojozaka - walk 10 min.
- Hours: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
CITY SPOTLIGHT
"The tea ceremony requires years of training and practice... yet the whole of this art, as to its detail, signifies no more than the making and serving of a cup of tea."
- Lafcadio Hearn, a.k.a. Koizumi Yakumo, 19th-century writer about Japan.
For visitors to Japan, attending a traditional tea ceremony is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the history of Japanase culture. For more information on tea ceremonies, or other great festivals and ceremonies, be sure to visit here.
