Kyoto city (City area)

Ohara

It takes one hour by bus from Kyoto to Ohara. Just up the hill, past the souvenir stalls with their brightly colored boxes of cakes, sweets and plastic gifts, is Sanzen-in Temple. Crowds of people come here in autumn to capture the perfect shot of the changing leaves on the mountainside and to admire the beautiful Yusei-en Garden. In the rainy season, you walk through the famous hydrangea garden in the quiet drizzle as spring eases into summer. From here, you walk to Hosen-in Temple. As you enter the tatami room, you feel like you are watching a living picture as you peer out of the wooden frames of the old building into the bamboo garden and hills beyond. Cast your eyes upwards in the main hall and you'll see the macabre blood-stained ceiling taken from Fushimi-jo Castle. Leave a little time for a short rest and to try the bitter Japanese tea and sweet cakes on offer, before heading off to try your hand at Kusaki-zome (vegetable dyeing) or to watch Shiba-zuke (pickled cucumber) in one of the traditional workshops.

Recommended Course

Half-Day Course