Was chatting with a friend who was doing his masters in Japan the other day, and it got us reminiscing about our last trip to Japan a few years ago.
Beyond the snazzy lights and fantastic cuisine in Tokyo, what really left a deep impression in us were the pensive walks in the calm and impeccably maintained temples gardens in Kyoto.
We remember visiting Kodai-Ji, a magnificent temple constructed in 1605. Three times a year from mid-March to May, one finds the temple and its gardens doused in a mesmerising display of multicoloured lights.
We were on a tight schedule that day, and reached the garden just moments before the skies darkened dramatically – the rustling of the leaves quickly transformed into the sound of raindrops hitting the temple roof.
An interesting aspect of Japanese Zen gardens is the preference of contrast over symmetrical compositions. The visitor is not expected to enter the garden but rather, to simply appreciate its beauty from designated viewing spots.
Guess we were lucky to see a view of the temple and its temple at such a poetic moment!
Important disclaimer: All sketches and opinions in this article are our own, and we do not receive commissions from any affiliated links in this post. The above excludes Google ads which help keep the lights on for kayafrenchtoast.
Leave us a comment or feedback on how we can improve our blog! Thank you! ?
