Kyoto Journals

Autumn in Kyoto

A November 2003 trip to Kyoto by Avid Traveler

Quote: From the train we make our way into the station and out into the city. The air is crisp and wet from mountain rain. Following the rest of the pedestrians lead, I open my umbrella and move into the leaf speckled street...

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Autumn in Kyoto

Overview

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Quick Tips: The people of Kyoto are extremely polite, well-mannered, and expect their visitors to be of the same calm nature even when flustered, lost, and riddled with jet-lag. If you are arriving in Japan for the first time and don't speak a lick of Japanese, be prepared to display a large amount of patience when asking for directions or instructions. Although many locals speak English very well, there are also many that don’t. As easy as it may be to get lost in the city, it’s also just as easy to get un-lost. Be prepared to do a bit of asking, pointing, walking a few meters in the suggested direction, and then asking another passerby. Eventually you will get to where you are going, or at...Read More

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Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple)

Attraction | "Ryoan-ji Rock Garden"

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Nestled in the upper northwest part of Kyoto alongside what is called "Kinu-kake-no-michi" drive are the spectacular rock gardens and temple of Ryoan-ji. Native to the city since the 1450s, this popular attraction is well worth the Yen. Zen-style gardens hold many Japanese esthetics in balance and movement. Fifteen dark grey boulders encompass the smaller white stones and tower-like volcanic surges over the frozen sea of freshly racked gravel. The composition is an elegant display of art, space, and simple perfection whose asymmetric shapes, peculiar patterns and meaning cannot be swallowed with one gigantic gulp. Like many Japanese dry gardens, its riddles are not to be unveiled to the impatient bus...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on December 10, 2003

Ryoanji (Ryōan-ji Temple)
13 Goryonoshita-cho Ryoanji Ukyo-ku
Kyoto, Japan 616-8001
+81 075 463 2216