Bamboo Grove at Kōdaiji Temple

　Whilst Arashiyama is by far the most famous bamboo grove in Kyoto, there are other beautiful bamboo groves within the city itself. One of these is Kōdai-ji Temple. As there aren’t too many visitors, you can take your time exploring it.

　Until the end of next month, as part of the ‘Kyoto Summer Travel’ campaign, you can view the *Panryū-zu* (Picture of a Coiled Dragon), a ceiling painting by Kano Sanraku—a master painter who epitomised the beauty of the Momoyama period—which is not usually on public display. The dragon is a guardian deity of Buddhism and is also a being that showers the Buddha’s teachings upon all people equally, like rain.

　The stone-paved approach leading from Nene-no-Michi to the grounds of Kōdai-ji, known as Dadokorozaka, is another spot well worth a visit, offering a beautiful contrast between the stone steps and the green maple leaves.