Discover a Quiet and Peaceful side of Kyoto
The “Nirvana Garden” uses garden stones to depict the scene of the Buddha’s passing, while offering a magnificent view that incorporates Mount Daimonji as “borrowed scenery.”
The “Zuien Garden” is a modern dry landscape garden that incorporates the family crest of the Mitsui family, who had deep ties to Shinnyo-do Temple.
Location
Right next to the entrance, there is a display of the portable shrine actually used by the Retired Emperor Go-Uda; additionally, the *Shinden* (main hall) is packed with highlights, such as sliding door paintings by Kano Sanraku.
Location
At the start of the tour of Katsura Imperial Villa, the guide pointed out that the grounds contain 24 stone lanterns and 8 water basins.
The photo shows a few of these; notably, there is a water basin serving as a *tsukubai* (ritual purification basin) in front of the teahouse.
These elements, including the lanterns, serve as distinctive accents throughout the garden.
Location
The tour of Katsura Imperial Villa takes approximately 60 minutes to complete, with a guide providing detailed explanations at various points along the route. Visitors can enjoy the changing seasonal scenery from the strolling-style pond garden and the four teahouses situated around it.
Location
Keishun-in’s four gardens are named “Wabi” (Simplicity), “Seijo” (Purity), “Shii” (Contemplation), and “Shinnyo” (True Reality); visitors can stroll through them along the designated viewing route.
