Blog
Blog Spot introduction 4ページ目
-
Weeping Cherry Tree at Shōgo-in Monzeki
Shugendō is a uniquely Japanese religious tradition that blends indigenous mountain worship with Esoteric Buddhism and Shinto. Shōgoin is the head temple of this tradition. As the name ‘Monzeki’ suggests, it is a temple of high standing where members of the imperial family and the court nobility have served as head priests; indeed, it is one of only thirteen ‘Miyamonzeki’ temples. The term ‘Miyamonzeki’ refers to temples that welcomed as their head priests either ‘Hōshinnō’—princes who were granted the title of prince after taking monastic vows—or ‘Nyūdōshinnō’—princes who took monastic vows after being granted the title of prince. It also…
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
-
Weeping Cherry Tree at Kamo-ohashi Bridge
The weeping cherry tree on the right bank of Kamo-ohashi Bridge, just beside our guesthouse, is now at its peak. Although there is only one tree here, it is a popular spot among locals where you can take your time to admire it. When I was looking for a property to start a guesthouse in Kyoto, I came across a place near Kamo Ohashi Bridge and felt naturally drawn to it. It was a place where I instinctively felt, ‘If I’m to continue living in Kyoto, this is the place.’ Nearby is Honman-ji Temple, also famous for its weeping cherry…
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
-
Thunberg spiraea
The white flowers of the Thunberg spiraea are in full bloom, coinciding with the cherry blossom season. As this plant is found only in Japan and eastern China, visitors from abroad often ask me its name. Plants native to Asia often do not grow wild in Europe, and whilst they may have English or French names, these are rarely understood, which can be rather troublesome. That said, snow willow is popular as a garden plant, and varieties such as ‘Fujino Pink’, ‘Ogon’ and ‘Mt. Fuji’ are well known. Possessing a resilience that allows it to withstand flooding, it grows wild…
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
-
Weeping Cherry Trees at Hotel Okura Kyoto
Hotel Okura Kyoto, situated next to Kyoto City Hall, boasts excellent access with a direct connection to the underground. I frequently visit this hotel myself, whether to meet clients or to visit ‘Panetteria Okura’, the bakery on the second basement floor serving freshly baked bread. There are weeping cherry trees on the hotel grounds, and they have begun to bloom slightly earlier than the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees in the surrounding area. Meanwhile, the weeping cherry trees in the Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden and at Rokkaku-do Temple are now in full bloom. Even though they are all weeping cherry trees, there…
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
-
Somei-Yoshino Cherry Blossoms Along the Takase River
The official declaration of the start of the cherry blossom season in Kyoto has been made, following the blooming of five standard Somei-Yoshino cherry trees at Nijo Castle. This is three days earlier than average and marks the earliest declaration in the Kansai region. That said, it is still cold in the city, and only a few blossoms have appeared so far. The Somei-Yoshino cherry trees along the Takase River have also begun to bloom, but they are still far from being in full bloom. Although rain is forecast for tomorrow, warm, sunny weather is expected from the day after…
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
-
Kyoto University Graduation Ceremony
Today, as primary schools across Kyoto held their graduation ceremonies, Kyoto University also held its degree conferment ceremony, resulting in a huge crowd gathering in front of the Clock Tower. Although, unfortunately, the cherry blossoms were not in full bloom, it is refreshing to see students setting off on a new journey. Once again this year, Kyoto University’s traditional cosplay made an appearance, offering a glimpse into the university’s liberal academic atmosphere. My former mentor embodied the very spirit of Kyoto University: he generally refrained from interfering and placed great emphasis on independence. It was truly a ‘hands-off’ approach to…
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
-
Himeji Castle Admission Fee Increase
Himeji Castle is one of the finest cherry blossom viewing spots in western Japan. With as many as 1,000 Somei-Yoshino and weeping cherry trees in full bloom, the avenue of cherry trees at Sannomaru Plaza is particularly popular as a photo spot. Due to soaring maintenance costs, admission fees have been raised from 1,000 yen to 2,500 yen for all visitors except Himeji residents, effective from the 1st of this month. However, entry remains free for all visitors under the age of 18. Whilst opinions are divided, given the immense queues in early spring, the price hike may help limit…
- Himeji
- Spot introduction
-
Apricot Blossoms by the Kamogawa River
The apricot trees by the Kamogawa River, just a minute’s walk from the guesthouse, have begun to blossom. From a distance, they might be mistaken for cherry blossoms, but they are characterised by their round petals and the way the sepals curve backwards. The closely related plum blossoms do not curve backwards, and as they lack flower stalks, they appear to bloom directly from the branches. Cherry blossoms, on the other hand, can be distinguished by the notches at the tips of their petals and the fact that many flowers bloom on a single stem. With plum and apricot blossoms…
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
-
Japanese morning set service
My home prefecture of Gifu is the Mecca of the ‘morning set’ culture. A ‘morning set’ is a service available only in the mornings where, when you order a coffee, you receive not only toast but also a salad and a boiled egg at no extra charge or for a very small fee. The Tokai region has a thriving textile industry, and as the noise from the looms was so loud, business meetings used to be held in coffee shops. It is said that this tradition began when a certain coffee shop started serving boiled eggs and peanuts to its…
- Food
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
-
Sashimi in Obama City
Obama is just under a two-hour drive from Kyoto City. For those born in Kyoto, it is one of the most accessible seaside resorts. It is also well known that when Barack Obama became President of the United States in 2008, the town of Obama was abuzz with excitement and thronged with tourists, simply because it shares the same name. Wakasa Bay, which Obama faces, boasts a short distance between the fishing port and the fishing grounds, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh sashimi. Furthermore, mineral-rich freshwater flows in from the neighbouring mountains, and the abundance of plankton adds a rich,…
- Fukui
- Spot introduction
-
Chokushi-mon Gate of Eiheiji Temple
When you visit Eiheiji Temple, the Chokushi-mon Gate is the first thing you see as you approach. This gate was originally reserved exclusively for the Emperor’s envoys (chokushi) and is usually kept closed. For this reason, the imperial chrysanthemum crest, symbolising the Japanese Imperial Family, is displayed on its façade. It has become such a symbol of Eiheiji Temple that if you search for ‘Eiheiji’, you will find numerous images of this Chokushi-mon Gate rather than the temple complex itself. Eiheiji Temple was founded in 1244, but it was destroyed by fire on several occasions, including during the Ikko-ikki uprisings…
- Fukui
- Spot introduction
-
Sanshōkaku Hall at Eihei-ji Temple
Eiheiji Temple is a popular destination among foreign tourists. Sanshōkaku Hall is a place where visitors stop to rest before entering the Shichidō Garan (Seven Main Halls), which form the centre of the temple’s ascetic practices. The ground floor serves as a waiting room for visitors, whilst the first floor houses a large hall. The most striking feature here is the 230 ceiling paintings, created by 144 Japanese painters in the early Shōwa period. The project was overseen by Komuro Suiun, a master of Japanese painting who was active from the Meiji to the Showa periods. However, although he created…
- Fukui
- Spot introduction