Miho Museum

The Miho Museum is located in the forested hills west of central Koka. It was designed by the renowned architect E. M. Pei.

The design incorporates the museum into the natural surroundings - essentially it is buried within the hillside. The entrance of the museum requires that visitors pass through a long tunnel cut through a mountain. Once through to the other side, visitors cross a suspension bridge that traverses a deep ravine. The interior of the museum consists of contrasting steel and glass elements.

The design was inspired by the Chinese tale of “Peach Blossom Spring,” the original inspiration for the idea of “Shangri-La.” The story explains that when one enters Peach Blossom Spring, they will encounter paradise - no one ages, gets sick, or suffers from want. However, if you depart, you will not be able to relocate the entrance. It has been a long time desire on my part to visit this museum. Being able to do so was moving and transformative. Needless to say, I did not want to leave. Having done so, I can only hope that I one day rediscover it’s entrance.

Ginkaku-ji

Ginkaku-ji, known as the silver pavilion, was built in 1482 by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. It was modeled after his grandfather’s Kinkakuji, or Golden Pavilion. Although originally a villa, it was converted into a Zen temple following Ashikaga’s death in 1490.

The Silver Pavilion was never actually covered in silver. It retains that name as a way of comparing it to the Golden Pavilion.

One of the first sites one sees after entering the temple and viewing the pavilion is the sand garden, known as the “Sea of Silver Sand.” Within this garden is a very large sand cone named “Moon Viewing Platform.” 

There is also an extensive moss garden and a pathway with a circular route that allows one to view the complex from many different vantage points. At one point along the trail’s higher elevation, there is a wonderful view of the temple complex with Kyoto in the background.

Eikan-do

Eikan-do was once the villa of a Japanese noble from the Heian period (710-1185).

Built alongside a hillside, the various buildings of the temple are connected via covered walkways. These buildings, some of which are very large, contain a variety of objects of worship.

The Hojo pond is surrounded by an elaborate garden. It was a very relaxing place to sit and contemplate the beauty of nature.

Entering the Shakado (Hall of  the historical Buddha)  one encounters an extensive rock and moss garden that surrounds the hall. 

Nestled in the trees on the hillside above the temple is the Tahoto Pagoda. To get to the pagoda, one has to climb a lengthy set of stairs. However, the climb was worth the effort since the view of Kyoto from above is impressive.

There is also a beautiful pond with two stone bridges, a torii gate, and a small island with a shrine. Interestingly, the trees were remarkably colorful given that it was early summer.

Daan

Daan is a restaurant I stumbled across after leaving Nanzen-ji. It was noon time and I was hungry. At first I thought I was looking at the  gate of yet another temple, but I quickly noticed a sign resembling a menu, with the English words “box lunch.” I was certain it was a temple, especially given the garden-like scenery on the interior of the gate. Not wanting to miss a chance to view another garden, and being motivate by hunger and the possibility of food, I entered. I followed a meandering path through a lovely garden. I could hear the sound of water falling from a small waterfall, and then came across a stone lantern and water basin. I soon found an entrance way, entered, and was greeted by a kimono-clad woman. I soon found myself sitting within a spectacular dining area overlooking a beautiful garden. I then proceeded to dine on an elaborate Japanese style box lunch, the contents of which were as beautiful to behold as they were wondrous to eat. It was one of my most memorable and enjoyable meals while traveling through Japan.