Today I drove with over 300km/h from Tokyo to Kyoto in the famous «bullet train » or Shinkansen. I flew past majestic and holy Mount Fuji and after only two hours arrived in Kyoto.
Finally I am again in my beloved and magnificent Kyoto. Kyoto, birthplace of Zen Buddhism in Japan and the tea-ceremony, home of many ancient Japanese crafts, location of many wonderful « dry » Zen gardens and renowned in Japan for its marvellous cuisine. Again I was taken back by to a time long, long ago when Kyoto was Imperial capital and seat of the Shogun. Its narrow alleys still are full of history and charm, the little houses built out of wood tell many stories. A deep feeling of joy and tranquillity took hold of me and while I war riding my bicycle in the crisp air of a sunny fall day. I visited the historic Daitokuji temple and garden compound. This array of many smaller sub temples, including the famous Daisen-in, is the birthplace of Rinzai Buddhism, one of the two main Zen Buddhism sects (Soto Buddhism is the other one). It is here where the monk Sen no Rikyu transformed the from China imported custom of drinking tea in a Zen Buddhist art form called Cha do in the 16th century. I spent the whole afternoon immersing myself in this wonderful ancient world that is kept alive until today by many active sects and its private temples.
In the famous Daisen-in temple with its three “dry” (meaning constructed without water but stones symbolising water and waves) gardens a Japanese tour guide forgot her hat beside me. I picked it up and brought it back to her. This small deed created an outstanding reaction from her side. She bowed about hundred times, said every time thank you, addressed her tour group and pointed at me many times and eventually invited me to have a some macha (green tea) with her in the temple. Her gratitude was absolutely overwhelming and charming!
I tried to capture with my pictures the spirit and the peace of the Daitoku-ji Zen gardens but they do not even approximately convey the atmosphere of peace, attention to detail and sense for aesthetics that can be felt in this temple area. What a contrast to the noisy and crowded Chinese attractions! 
See the pics here...
Hello. Hajimemashite. My husbans informed me about your site. I am so glad that you seems also in love with Japan specially with Asahi Beer. I am living in Pfaeffikon SZ but currently back in my home town in Kobe. If you need someone to show you around in Kobe, please let me know. I can show you around. I am so happay there is again Swiss interested in Japan. will send you more informatio to your email.
Have a wunderbar day!!
Posted by: Yokko | October 26, 2005 at 12:56 AM