Discover a Quiet and Peaceful side of Kyoto
Tentoku-in is one of the sub-temples of Tofuku-ji; although it is currently open for special viewing, I was unable to visit last week due to a typhoon.
I returned this week and had a wonderful time admiring the bellflower blossoms through the *kato-mado* (bell-shaped window) while enjoying some matcha.
Location
A sub-temple of Daitoku-ji, the head temple of the Daitoku-ji school of the Rinzai sect.
It features a *hojo* (abbot’s quarters) garden—restored by landscape architect Kinsaku Nakane, who was known as the “Kobori Enshu of the Showa era”—which boasts magnificent stone arrangements in the Momoyama style, as well as the “Kankyo-tei” tea house.
Daitoku-ji, located within Kyoto City, is a spot I highly recommend; it is quiet and uncrowded, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of the “good old Japan” and the traditional charm of Kyoto.
Location
Here, we can enjoy a stroll through the gardens that extend from Tsutenkyo Bridge.
This area is surrounded by fresh green foliage, and the hydrangeas are beautiful as well.
Although there was still a bit of lingering rain, the conditions were perfect for the fresh greenery and moss gardens.
Location
Motifs of turtles and carp are frequently seen throughout the shrine grounds.
Turtles are regarded as messengers of Matsuo-taisha Shrine symbolizing eternal youth and longevity, while carp serve as guardians representing career advancement and good fortune.
Matsunoo-taisha Shrine, located in the Nishikyo Ward of Kyoto City, is primarily known as the “God of Sake” (the ancestral deity of brewing).
This reputation stems from the fact that the Hata clan—who originally developed this area—included many skilled sake brewers, and from a legend stating that sake would not spoil if mixed with water from “Kame-no-i,” a spring located within the shrine grounds.
The shrine precincts feature numerous sake barrels dedicated by brewing companies from across Japan.
I also participated in the *Chinowa-kuguri* (passing through a large ring of woven grass) ritual held there on that day (June 28).
