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Blog Spot introduction 7ページ目
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Carpet of Cherry Blossoms on the Philosopher’s Path
The Somei-Yoshino cherry trees along the Philosopher’s Path are gradually beginning to shed their blossoms. Near the Ginkaku-ji police box, fallen petals have gathered to form a magnificent carpet of cherry blossoms. This stunning carpet, with its striking contrast of pink and white petals, is a sight to be seen only at this time of year. Even visitors who were feeling a little tired after walking the approximately 2-kilometre stretch from Nanzen-ji couldn’t help but smile at the sight.
- Kyoto
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Somei-Yoshino Cherry Blossoms at Ebisugawa Power Station
The Ebisugawa Power Station, located at the terminus of the Okazaki Canal—a famous spot for cherry blossoms. Built in 1914, it is a dam that has been supplying electricity to Kyoto City for over 100 years and continues to do so today. Although the drop in water level is a mere 3.4 metres, the discharge rate of 14 tonnes per second is truly impressive. It forms part of the Lake Biwa Canal, which played a key role in Japan’s modernisation, and is now designated as a Japan Heritage site. The recommended spot for photography here is on the west side…
- Kyoto
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Jikkoku-bune Boats on the Okazaki Canal
The Jikkoku-bune boats in Okazaki operate only during the cherry blossom season. The Jikkoku-bune was a small transport vessel that operated during the Edo period, linking Fushimi in Kyoto with Osaka to carry rice, sake and passengers. They take around 30 minutes to cover the 3-kilometre route from Nanzen-ji Temple to the Ebisugawa Dam. Tokusei Bridge and Kumano Bridge are popular spots for photographing these boats. The boats pass under the bridges every 15 minutes. The area is illuminated from sunset until 21:30. It is beautiful at night, though the evenings are still rather chilly.
- Kyoto
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Our Guesthouse’s Eighth Year
Thanks to your support, our guesthouse has now entered its eighth year. Having worked as a civil servant and a researcher, it might seem at first glance that my career has nothing to do with running a guesthouse. However, when it comes to listening to people’s voices, all my past experiences and the people I have met have served as invaluable lessons. The photograph shows the weeping cherry trees at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. They are among my favourite cherry blossoms in Kyoto. Soon, the Kyoto Imperial Park will be filled with the beautiful songs of migratory birds.
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- Kyoto
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Philosopher’s Path
The Somei-Yoshino cherry trees along the Philosopher’s Path have burst into bloom all at once. The path is bustling with tourists from morning till night. Perhaps partly due to the upcoming admission price hike at Ginkaku-ji Temple starting April 1, I also saw many Japanese visitors. With nearly 400 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees planted along a stretch of about 2 kilometers, it truly forms a tunnel of cherry blossoms. Additionally, although fewer in number, the native Oshima cherry trees—which bloom alongside new leaves—are also at their peak, creating a beautiful contrast of white and green. This is a place that has been maintained…
- Kyoto
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Bustling Keage Incline
Somei-yoshino cherry blossoms are in full bloom all over Kyoto, and with it being the final weekend of the spring holidays, everywhere is absolutely packed. The Keage Incline is particularly popular at this time of year. The Biwa Lake Canal was a vital waterway linking Kyoto and Lake Biwa. However, part of the canal had a height difference of 36 metres, making it difficult for boats to navigate. To solve this problem, a 582-metre-long inclined railway—the longest of its kind in the world at the time—was constructed in 1891 to transport boats. After the war, it was decommissioned and abandoned,…
- Kyoto
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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