kyonoki






And just like that leave-day has come and we must be gone. We are off make games! Goodbye Mi-chan, Akko, Moko-kun, Tomomi, Etsuyo, Mitsuko, Andy and Omar...for now.

26 05 10 - 11:05 - kieren - Photostory| No comments - § ¶










No photos will ever quite do Renge-ji justice. It is far more beautiful in real life whether bathed in sunlight or concealed in shadows. I am pleased that it was my last temple visit, as it leaves me satisfied with the peace of the place and wanting more. I think it perfectly serves as reminder that there are countless places in Japan off the beaten track that are more special than those flooded with tourists or more famed in the guidebooks.

21 05 10 - 02:02 - kieren - Photostory| No comments - § ¶


This is a photo of one of Renge-ji's prayer-hall statues (the main one is locked away inside an old wooden cabinet until festival days). I belatedly realised you are neither allowed to photograph inside the prayer hall or from inside the garden itself, but as this was my last photographic outing in Japan for some time I felt that breaking the rules was for once fine.

21 05 10 - 01:31 - kieren - Photostory| No comments - § ¶












Shigenao Imaeda, a retainer of the Maeda Clan in Kaga (present day Ishikawa Prefecture), entered the priesthood around 1661 and built a residence below Kimyozan mountain. He spent his later years associating with such people as Jozan Ishikawa (the poet and calligrapher) and Tanyu Kano (painter). His grandson, Chikayoshi, who much admired Shigenao, transferred a temple from Hichijo-shiokoji to the grounds of the residence in order to pray for the repose of his late grandfather. He made it a sub-temple of the Enryaku-ji Jitsuzobo Temple. The principal statue enshrined in the main hall is of Shakyamuni Tathagata. Unique Renga-ji temple-style stone lanterns -with hexagonal shades and a monument commemorating Shigenao (inscribed with tensho-style calligraphy by Jozan Ishikawa and a passage by Jun-an Kinoshita)- are found on the mossy grounds. The garden, with stone crane and turtle islands, was reportedly designed by Ishikawa and is particularly beautiful in autumn.

21 05 10 - 01:30 - kieren - Photostory| No comments - § ¶

21 05 10 - 00:40 - kieren - Photostory| No comments - § ¶






Today was a strange mixture of melancholic happiness. A last cycle around the winding streets and hikes through sun-bathed hillsides. I know with certainty that we will visit these places again, but who can tell when that will be? It is sad, but being a grown up comes with certain sacrifices. I passed by the Ota Shrine to take photos of the irises in full bloom. The last time I visited only a few flowers had emerged. While the pond was not as carpeted with purple flowers as I had hoped, it was pretty nonetheless.

21 05 10 - 00:17 - kieren - Photostory| No comments - § ¶










As it was my last day left in Kyoto before the flight, I got to choose one more place to visit. After thinking long and hard about my favourite spots, I thought it better to take a risk and try one of the few temples I have never been to. Renge-ji was close to Andy's house, beyond Takaragaike in the foothills that march up to Hiei-zan, and so it won by the single merit that I once heard good things about the garden. Quite honestly I did not expect very much, but the place blew me away. It was, as I had read, very quiet and for most of the time I had the place to myself. And though it may well be because of a certain nostalgia growing in the emotional melodrama of leaving, I think it may well be my favourite of Kyoto's many temples, shrines and gardens. I especially loved the run-down feel of the temple, the beautifully clear pond and mossy garden, and the dragon painting glaring down from the ceiling of the prayer hall. Whilst clearly cared for, the garden immaculately tended, the plaster walls are cracked and many of the wooden pillars eaten away. Rather than take away from the magic of the place, it makes everything more special. The monk attendant was very friendly, and for once I took the time to sit down and contemplate the changes that are about to happen.

21 05 10 - 00:09 - kieren - Photostory| No comments - § ¶







The Indian style Busshari Tower of Myoman-ji Temple is a concrete copy of the famed stupa at Bodh Gaya, India. It is said that the historical Buddha gained Enlightenment at the site of the stupa. Inside this reconstruction is a brilliant gold Buddha, quite a surprising find after such a dull, concrete exterior.