Highlights in Kitayama area and Tea Ceremony Experience

Ninnaji Temple was built by an emperor called Uda in 888. This temple is famous because the chief monk was also emperor. Although it was a high-ranking temple, it experienced a lot of fires because of battles in Kyoto. We can see the five-storey pagoda and the main gate which were built 400 years ago. The beautiful cherry trees in the temple are famous for their late blooming. They attract many visitors in the middle of April every year.

We can enjoy old architecture, Imperial structures and beautiful gardens that emperors in ancient times lived in or used, and the magnificent scenery behind.

Ryoannji Temple is famous for its beautiful rock garden, which is a Zen-style garden.

Originally, one of the top-ranking warlords under the Ashikaga Shogunate built this temple and invited a monk for Zen training. The simple and remarkable rock garden is completely different from the gorgeous gardens that court nobles constructed.

This simple garden gives us unlimited advice based on Zen teachings. We can also find the old stone wash basin. The four characters on it also gives us advice for our lives.

The temple also features a beautiful landscape garden.

We will enjoy sitting on the veranda quietly and then strolling around the beautiful garden.

A traditional Japanese restaurant is in the Ryoanji Temple Ground.

There are some local restaurants on the way to Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple, or an official name Rokuonji Temple is located in the west part of Kyoto city. The temple is so famous for a golden colored pagoda that it is called ‘The Golden Pavilion.’ Originally, one of the powerful Shoguns called Yoshimitsu Ashikaga built this temple in 1397, when his Shogunate flourished. The most remarkable structure is a beautiful golden pavilion because of its gorgeous gilding. The reflection of the pagoda on the pond called ‘Mirror Pond’ enhances its attraction.

The temple also features a beautiful landscape garden which has a unique pine tree shaped into a sailing boat which faces the paradise in the west (according to Buddhist teachings), the magnificent view of the mountain behind, the spring water from the mountain, a traditional tea house, and other attractions.

We will enjoy seeing the gorgeous pagoda and strolling around the beautiful garden in the temple ground

The tea room is located near Kinkakuji Temple.

Tea ceremony is one of traditional Japanese culture. It is not only about serving and drinking tea but also about learning good manners. It is regarded as an elegant art and practiced in order to develop refined manners and mental composure.

Today we can enjoy this special Japanese culture as well as drinking 'Maccha', which is green tea.

According to this tour schedule, I will make a reservation for the tea ceremony from 3:30 to 4:15.

You will be able to experience a tea ceremony and learn how to make your own green tea.