Kyoto Cherry Blossoms

I took a walk around Shinyodo and Kurodani temples near my house the other day. Some of the trees at these temples are already in full bloom.

Here is a picture of the weeping cherry behind the padoga at Shinyodo:


Here is a shot from the gate at Kurodani:

Early Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

The cherry blossoms are really early this year. A few trees have already started to bloom. I spotted this tree in bloom today at Nanzen-ji Temple:


Here's a picture of the same tree with the San-mon Gate in the background:

A Capsule Ryokan in Kyoto

Yesterday, I visited a unique new form of accommodation here in Kyoto: a capsule ryokan! On the first floor, it's got capsules with Japanese touches, like tatami mats and sliding shoji doors. On the upper floors, it's got business hotel-like rooms with lots of interesting features. It's close to Kyoto Station and it would make a good base for travel in Kyoto/Kansai.

Here are some pics of the capsules:





It costs Y3500 for a capsule and Y7890 for a private room (for two people). For more information visit their website.

Kurodani (Konkai Komyo-ji)

Yesterday, I was invited to a private tour of Kurodani Temple (properly known as Konkai Komyo-ji). I went with my guide and co-author, Koko. Koko and I recently finished a book for a Japanese publisher about how to explain Japan to foreign visitors. It's intended for anyone in Japan who has to show foreigners around the country. Anyway, yesterday, the abbot of the temple personally guided us around and explained the temple's long history. Here are some shots from the garden of the temple.

Here's the back of the pond:


Here's an overall view of the pond:


Here's Koko in the garden:

Kinosaki

In order to reward myself for working eight weeks without a break, I took a short trip to Kinosaki Onsen, on the Japan Sea coast, a bit over two hours north of Kyoto by express train. The town is famous for its onsen and winter crabs.

Here is a picture of some crab legs that I enjoyed. They were simple and delicious:


Here are the crabs for sale:


Here are some pictures from my last trip to Kinosaki, when a good friend invited my wife and I up to Nishimura-ya Honkan, the best onsen-ryokan in the town:

Snow in Kyoto

It snowed a bit last night here in Kyoto and I took a walk this morning around Shinyodo. Here's a picture of the approach to the temple:


Here's a picture of the pagoda:


Here's a small garden up on Yoshida-yama:

Setsubun Matsuri at Yoshida-jinja

A few nights ago, I went to the Setsubun Matsuri at Yoshida-jinja. Setsubun is the old lunar New Year that roughly corresponds to the Chinese New Year. People bring their old amulets and charms from the previous year and the shrine burns them in a giant bonfire.

Here is the mountain of amulets and charms ready to be set alight:


Here is a close-up of the amulets and charms:


Here's the fire: