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Seoul, Kyoto, & Osaka Journal. June 13th, 2026

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 Nanzenji, Eikando Zenrin-ji, Philosopher’s Path, Teramachi Mall, Nishiki Market, Kyoto Night Market Took the subway to Keage station and walked to Nanzen-ji. There is a huge gate here. You can go inside and climb the steep slippery wooden stairs in stocking feet to see the altar at the top. There was a nice view of the temple precincts from up there, too. This was the only gate like this that I’ve ever been able to go inside. Then we looked at Nanzenji Hatto (the lecture hall) and went to see the aqueduct that crosses the temple precincts. It’s an impressive brick structure that’s part of the system that brings water from lake Biwa to Kyoto.  Subway train on the Karasuma line bearing a Kyoto Symphony 70th anniversary headmark. View from Sanmon Gate. Ceiling of the Nanzen-ji lecture hall. Altar of the Nanzen-ji lecture hall. Arched aquaduct We went up the stairs to the canal that feeds the aqueduct, and from here we walked back towards Keage along the canal, passing the pensto...
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Seoul, Kyoto, & Osaka Journal. June 14th, 2026

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 Tofuku-ji, Imakumano Kannon-ji, Kōshō-ji, Nishi Hongwanji MAP Had breakfast in the Japanese restaurant in the hotel, rather than the buffet.  Took the train to Tofukuji station to see the Tofukuji  temple and its bridges there. Rinzai Zen Buddhism is practiced at this temple. You enter the temple through a covered bridge, and there are two more on the grounds. On the ceiling of the Main Hall, there is a 22 by 11 meter ink painting of a dragon flying among the clouds. It grasps, in its claws a gem representing enlightenment. An elderly gentleman who appeared to be a temple member pointed out the two meter hand high hand, standing against a wall of the Main Hall. It had been rescued from the 15 meter high Great Buddha Statue that was destroyed when the temple burned in 1881. This statue was comparable to the Great Buddha statues of Kamakura and Todaiji. Gaun-kyo Bridge,  which is actually outside the temple grounds. Main Hall Main hall ceiling. There were gardens, hal...
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Seoul, Kyoto, & Osaka Journal. June 15th, 2026

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 Kōdō Gyōgan-ji,  Chōhō-ji. MAP I had a day on my own, so I decided to visit two of the 33 Kannon temples which were in central Kyoto.  First I went to Kōdō Gyōgan-ji Temple - the 19th stop on the pilgrimage. It was a pleasant walk through a quiet neighborhood to get there. It was founded by a hunter who swore off killing and became a monk. The temple is well known for lotus blossoms and the neighborhood cats who hang out there. I saw some of both.   Main Hall Lotus Flower Kitty cat climbing over Jizo statues at Hyakutai Jizō-dō (Hundred Jizo Hall). I got back on the subway and went to the 18th stop on the pilgrimage: Chōhō-ji. This temple is better known by the name of its six-sided pavilion: Rokaku-do. In contrast to  Kōdō Gyōgan-ji Temple, this one is surrounded by tall buildings & there is an adjacent Starbucks that has a big window overlooking the garden. You can sip your coffee and engage in quiet reflection at the same time. I was able to go up t...
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