In the northern part of Kyoto city, there is an area called 'Ohara'. It takes about 40~50 minutes from 'Sanjyo-keihan station' or 70 minutes from 'Kyoto-station' by bus. The bus runs in the countryside and takes you to the rather quiet place. You will find the field where people grow vegetables such as 'Red-Shiso' (Perilla leaves) which are used for 'Shibazuke' (a kind of Japanese pickles , which is Kyoto specialty).
Walking about 10 minutes after getting off the bus (the last bus stop), you will arrive at 'Sanzenin Temple'. On the way, you can enjoy the quiet and peaceful nature while you are walking along the small river. You can also find some souvenir shops along the path.
Sanzenin Temple is a Tendai Sect Buddhist temple which has connections to the Imperial family. That's why this temple is also called 'Sanzenin Monseki'.
In its precinct, you can see three seated statues of Amida Sanzon which are the principal images, at Ojo Gokuraku-in Hall, standing among the Japanese cedar trees.
You can find lovely tiny stone-statues in the moss garden.
During mid of June and mid of July, you can see many beautiful hydrangea in bloom which are planted in its precinct.
Hosenin Temple which is close to Sanzenin Temple, is also famous and worth visiting. You can enjoy maccha and Japanese sweets (with a little extra charge) while seeing the famous pine tree which is said to be 700 years old.
In Ohara area, a little apart from Sanzenin Temple and Hosenin Temple, there is another famous temple, Jyakkoin Temple where a famous woman who was a wife of an emperor and a mother of an emperor, spent her last days more than 800 years ago. (She was rescued by her enemy during the war and spent her last days mourning for her dead family at this temple.)
Beside the temple, you can find her cemetery in the silence...
If you want, you can stay at Onsen ryokan in this area. Ohara is famous for producing Red-Shiso as I wrote, so you can find some shops where you can buy various Japanese pickles. You can also have lunch, 'pickles buffet' at a restaurant near Ohara...
I recommend you visit this area, Ohara if you have much time in Kyoto, (you will need a full day to visit here...) or you have visited Kyoto a few times before. You will be able to have another fine experience here.
I would be happy to make a tour for you if you are interested in Ohara. Please send me mails of inquiry.
