Early morning visitors to Heian Shrine peek through the massive vermilion doors as shrine priests within perform their morning tasks.
Offerings of sake and fresh vegetables are presented on high trays to the gods at Hirano Shrine. Even today, shrine priests, while performing Shinto rites, are garbed in clothing and clogs modeled on those of the ancient court.
KYOTO
CITY OF ZEN
VISITING THE HERITAGE SITES OF JAPAN’S ANCIENT CAPITAL
Judith Clancy
Photography by Ben Simmons
The poise and grace of Gion’s young kimono-draped maiko (apprentice geiko) extend down to their gleaming white tabi socks in raised wooden geta footwear.
CONTENTS
A Brief History of Japan’s Ancient Capital
Zen Buddhism and the Tea Ceremony
Kyoto’s Amazing Architectural Heritage
Kyoto’s Exquisite Arts and Crafts
Gardens of Kyoto
Kyoto’s Imperial Palace
Nijo Castle
Heian Jingu
Downtown Kyoto
The Gion District
Kiyomizu-dera
Kennin-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji Temple
Ginkaku-ji
Tetsugaku-no-Michi
Shisendo
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines
Daitoku-ji
Mount Hiei and Enryaku-ji Temple
Kurama Village
Ohara Village
Kinkaku-ji
Ryoan-ji
Ninna-ji
Myoshin-ji
Arashiyama
Sagano Village
Takao Village
Tofuku-ji Temple
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Saiho-ji
Katsura Imperial Villa
Daigo-ji Temple
Byodo-in
Ujigami Shrine and the Genji Museum
Dedications and Acknowledgments
Snowy accents on a lion’s head. Summer visitors enter a noren-curtained entrance for a tea ceremony. A black- lacquered window frames the glorious autumn scenery of Kyoto. Traffic-streaked lights shimmer below the World Heritage pagoda of Toji Temple. Too good a chance to pass up, a visitor attempts to capture a temple’s resident tabby. A lusciously glazed tea bowl is presented to a guest.
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCING KYOTO
