Shoren-in

Shoren-in is a Zen temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism. It is located along the foot of the Higashiyama mountains. 

Upon entering the Kachden drawing room, one is confronted with a series of painted sliding doors (fusuma) and a large open room with a view of the garden and pond. The room is covered with tatami mats and one can order tea and a treat to enjoy while sitting and admiring the view (which I did). Other buildings in the temple are connected via covered wooden walkways and include the large Shinden and small Shijokodo Hall. The hallways and rooms of these buildings were decorated with a variety of detailed paintings, scrolls, and objects of worship.

The garden is extensive with a trail that brings one to a tea house, climbs a hill to a small shrine, and leads into a bamboo grove. The most impressive site is the moss garden in front of the Shinden that is surrounded by massive camphor trees. The mixture of colors from the moss, plants, trees, stones, pond, and even koi fish, mades for a spectacular site. 

Heian-jingu

The Heian-jingu has a relatively short history compared with other temples and shrines in Kyoto. It was built in 1895 and commemorates the first and last emperors who reigned from the city (Emperor Kammu 737-806, Emperor Komei 1831-1867). Heian is the former name of Kyoto.

A giant torii gate marks the approach to the shrine and is one of the largest I have ever seen. The main building of the temple grounds are a partial replica of the original Imperial Palace from the Heian period.

The garden at the shrine covers about half the property and is rather large. It is partially inspired by Chinese gardens that would have been popular during the Heian period. There are several ponds within, including the central Seiho Pond and the Green Dragon Pond. These two ponds are linked together by the “Dragon Stepping Stones.” There is also a covered bridge, known as the “Bridge of Peace,” which is topped with a phoenix.

Sunny Place

With the help of the Happy Cow online healthy eating guide, I was able to locate a 100% vegan restaurant in Kyoto.

Located in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto, the restaurant was nestled in an area that was very lively and residential, unlike the more urban area around the Kyoto Station. I had the sense that this was a typical neighborhood in which people lived normal lives outside the hustle and bustle of the inner city.

I arrived at the restaurant as it opened, so I was the first customer of the evening. The owner/chef was very friendly and helped me to understand the options from the “Plant Lab” menu. He also explained that being vegan in Japan was difficult. I, in turn, explained that it was equally difficult in the U.S.

He cooked up a wonderful Pad Thai style dish, the flavor of which can not be described with words. It was unlike any Thai dish I had ever had, and best of all, it was completely vegan.  Overall, a great experience and well worth the trip to northern Kyoto.