🌸SAKURA STROLLS👣

[camelliakyoto@mastodon.social]

SAKURA STROLLS

A whirlwind tour of some well-known Kyōto spots we've talked about before, this time with added cherry blossoms

on one road
all the way to Kyōto-
blossom-viewing hats
京迄は一筋道ぞ花見笠
-Kobayashi Issa, 1822.
Trans. David Lanoue.
#Kyoto #京都 #sakura #桜 #blossoms #Japan

[camelliakyoto@mastodon.social]

1) Honpō-ji (本法寺)

Founded by Nisshin (日親) in 1436, over the years the temple would clash many times with the authorities. More than a little outspoken, Nisshin eventually found himself punished by the shōgun by having a heated pot melded to his head!
#Kyoto #本法寺

[camelliakyoto@mastodon.social]

2) Shinshōgokuraku-ji (真正極楽寺)

At a time when many temples, and even whole mountains, were off limits to women, Shinshōgokuraku-ji (aka Shinnyo-dō 真如堂) offered them a refuge.

Special services were held for women, aiding them to rebirth.
#Kyoto #真正極楽寺

[camelliakyoto@mastodon.social]

3) Ryōan-ji (竜安寺)🪨

Just across the road from our Garden Teahouse (and office) is Japan's most famous zen garden...a riddle written in gravel and rocks.
Intended to focus the mind, over the years many have tried to unravel the garden's meaning.
#Kyoto #竜安寺

[screwlisp@gamerplus.org]

@camelliakyoto should tag, #mastoquestions to seek the answer

[camelliakyoto@mastodon.social]

4) Tō-ji (東寺)

As old as Kyōto, Tō-ji ('East Temple') sits in the same place it has occupied for 1200 years, though its grounds have been vastly reduced.
Originally called Kyō-ō-Gokoku-ji (教王護国寺), the temple acted as guardian of the new capital (Heian-kyō 平安京).
#Kyoto #東寺