At the end of March we held a special short course and visited Nanzen-ji temple. It was a little cool, but there was no rain, so that was good. We had a good time, with everyone practicing being a guide and being a tourist.
We started our tour at the Chumon gate before walking up to the Sanmon. “How old is it?” “Is it the biggest gate in Kyoto?” “Tell me about the gate and the Kabuki play.” “Why is it called ‘mountain gate’ but the sign says ‘三門’?” These and other questions were asked.
Later we walked around the temple itself. It wasn’t too busy so we could enjoy the main Zen garden of the Hojo. We also checked out the paintings on the fusuma (sliding doors). “Why are there tigers and leopards?” “Where did the artists get their information for these animals from? Were there some tigers kept in Japan at the time?” “Do you think the rocks in the garden look like tigers?”
Of course, we also checked out some of the sub-temples and the aqueduct while we were there. Did you know that there is a small waterfall which can be viewed from the tea room in Nanzen-ji? Water from the aqueduct is used to make the waterfall.
“What is this? Is it for ink to do calligraphy?” “How old is this garden? Is it as old as the famous garden we saw earlier?” I think everyone found out something new. I know I did. For instance, I didn’t know that the reason for the leopards and tigers on the fusuma is because the artists thought that leopards were female tigers.
Unfortunately (or fortunately maybe) we were a few days too early for the cherry blossoms. These were some of the few blossoms we saw in the gardens around the Sanmon. Still, we had a good time.
This was the third time we have visited a temple or shrine in Kyoto. We have also been to Yasaka Shrine and Kitano Tenmangu temple. I wonder where we will go in the autumn break? Why don’t you join us?