Discover a Quiet and Peaceful side of Kyoto
Ninna-ji Temple is famous for its late-blooming “Omuro cherry blossoms,” but the fresh greenery of early summer is also stunningly beautiful.
The temple grounds offer a serene atmosphere, with the fresh foliage and the five-story pagoda creating a truly beautiful scene.
On this particular day, special effects—such as the use of smoke—added an even more mystical air to the setting.
Jizo-in is a Rinzai sect temple known as “Take-dera” (Bamboo Temple) because its grounds are surrounded by bamboo.
It offers magnificent scenery, featuring fresh green foliage in early summer and vibrant autumn leaves.
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Miyake Hachiman-gu Shrine originated from a shrine founded by Ono no Imoko, an envoy to the Zui Dynasty.
As the dove is considered the messenger of the deity Hachiman, statues of guardian doves stand on the shrine grounds, and dove motifs can be found throughout the site.
The shrine is revered as a place to pray for the healing of various childhood illnesses.
The teahouse along the approach to the shrine is highly recommended; it sells “hato-mochi” (dove-shaped rice cakes) and delicious, freshly harvested vegetables.
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This is a temple belonging to the Nanzen-ji school of the Rinzai sect. It is said that the renowned haiku poet Matsuo Basho stayed here, and the grounds feature the “Basho-an” (Basho’s Hermitage), which was restored by Yosa Buson—a poet who deeply admired Basho—and his school of followers.
When I visited on July 17th, the balloonflowers were in beautiful bloom.
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Today, July 17th, is the day of the Gion Festival’s Yamaboko float procession, and large crowds of spectators are expected; however, in the early morning, you can view each float quietly and at a leisurely pace.
The arrival of the Gion Festival marks the peak of summer in Kyoto.
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