Seoul, Kyoto, & Osaka Journal. June 14th, 2026
Tofuku-ji, Imakumano Kannon-ji, Kōshō-ji, Nishi Hongwanji MAP In the hotel, we had breakfast in the Japanese restaurant, rather than the buffet. The breakfast contains some tofu skin items which is a traditional Kyoto ingredient. Took the train to Tofukuji station to see the Tofukuji temple and its bridges. Rinzai Zen Buddhism is practiced at this temple. One aspect of Rinzai is the use of koans such is this, by one of the former abbots of Tofukuji: " Two people are walking down the street. It begins to rain heavily. One gets soaked, but the other does not get wet at all. Why?" You enter the temple through a covered bridge, and there are two more bridges 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 a two meter hand high hand, standing against a wall of the Main...