The Forest in Kyoto And Other Natural Attractions To Visit

Upon entering the Okochi Sanso Villa Garden, the first sight to greet you is Daijokaku, Okochi’s main house. This house incorporates several styles of Japanese residential architecture, including the Shinden, Shoin, and Sukiya styles.

The villa features an open lawn area with a borrowed landscape. The surrounding pine trees, cherries, and Japanese maple trees create a vibrant atmosphere, particularly during the fall season. The multi-level gardens, paved with curvy cobblestone steps, lead to breathtaking views.

Reaching the highest point of the Okochi Sanso Villa, you’ll find a resting spot that doubles as a viewing deck. From here, you can take in the Arashimaya skyline with the Higashimaya mountain range in the east.

The Tekusui-an tea house is another highlight of the villa. The ground around the tea house is covered with a moss carpet, lending an ancient feel to the scene.

Okochi Sanso Villa is open from 9 am to 5 pm. You can visit any time of the day, weather permitting. However, autumn is the best time to visit due to the stunning fall foliage.

Nestled in the heart of the estate, the main structures of Katsura Imperial Villa are surrounded by lush trees that offer a stunning display during certain seasons. The villa features a captivating garden and ponds at its center, their design inspired by the Japanese classic, “Tale of the Genji.”

Katsura Imperial Villa is adorned with a variety of decorative elements. These include stepping stone paths, traditional Japanese garden fences, stone lanterns, and handwashing basins. The villa grounds also feature arched wooden bridges and charming short stone bridges that connect the pond islets.

In addition to the main building, the compound houses several tea houses. These structures showcase the finesse of Japanese carpentry and architectural design. The picturesque scenes inside the villa and the tranquil ambiance of the compound have garnered admiration from many visitors.

For some, their visit to Katsura Imperial Villa was a highlight of their trip to Japan, and they found the 1000 Yen entrance fee to be well worth it.

Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires some planning. You have two options: apply for a permit online through the Imperial Household Agency or arrive early at the Imperial Household Agency Office (Kunaicho) to secure a tour slot. Kunaicho is conveniently located a short walk from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma subway line.

The application process is straightforward. Simply present your passport and complete a few forms. However, it’s important to remember that Katsura Imperial Villa is typically closed on weekends and national holidays.

Tours are conducted at specific times: 10 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, and 3 PM. Each tour offers a 40-minute exploration of the villa, providing ample time to appreciate its beauty and charm. Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of this unique experience.

Personally, I don’t have much to say about the physical appearance of the Philosopher’s Path. To me, it seems like an ordinary paved walkway surrounded by trees. However, I believe the seasons greatly enhance this simple walkway, potentially making it the best 30-minute walk of your life.

Especially during the spring season, the Philosopher’s Path is filled with cherry blossoms that could captivate your sight with the branches and flowers of the trees. What I appreciate most about the Philosopher’s Path is its demonstration of tranquility in simplicity. The water in the canal flows so calmly, aiding in relaxation and mental clarity.

It’s no wonder Nishida Kitaro had a successful spiritual journey in his life. The key is to visit Tetsugaku No Michi at the right time when there are no crowds. Consider visiting before 9 AM or around late afternoon for a charming walk down the pathway. You never know, it might be your opportunity to reconnect with yourself as well.

I’ve read a comprehensive blog post about the philosopher’s walk that explains everything about it and tips on how you can experience the best of this spot in Kyoto.

Inside the garden, you can observe 15 rocks scattered across a pool-like area filled with white pebbles.

These rocks are strategically placed so that at least one rock remains hidden, no matter the viewing angle. This unique arrangement has sparked curiosity, leading many to interpret the garden’s portrayal. One theory suggests that the Zen Rock Garden at Ryoan-Ji depicts a tiger carrying her cubs across the water.

Opposite the stone garden in Ryoan-Ji, you’ll find a philosophical stone water basin known as the Tsukubai Water Basin. What makes this basin particularly interesting are the characters inscribed on it. The inscription reads “ware tada taru wo shiru,” which translates to “I am content with what I am.” This resonates deeply with me, as it’s the kind of sentiment I seek when visiting tranquil temples and natural sites in Japan.

The basin not only produces a soothing sound as water drops into it, but it also serves as a spiritual artifact that can enhance self-awareness.

Beyond the main structure, there’s a spacious stroll-style garden featuring a pond known as the Kyoyochi pond. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, especially in the autumn when the surrounding trees display vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange. These elements together provide a complete nature experience at the Ryoan-Ji Zen Rock Garden.

The Kyoto Botanical Garden is organized into various sections, making it easier for visitors to locate specific plants and flowers.

One such section is the conservatory, which is further divided into eight distinct parts. Here, visitors can explore a range of plant life, from tropical to dry tropics, and from plains to mountains, including temperate alpine areas. The conservatory also houses valuable native trees, orchids, and bromeliads.

Another noteworthy section is the themed garden. Within this area, there’s a Bonsai exhibit showcasing small trees that reflect the artistic skills of Japanese gardeners. Additionally, there’s a European-style garden that offers a quick change of scenery within the botanical garden.

For those interested in unique plant species, the Special Plant Garden is a must-visit. This section is filled with small plots, each dedicated to a single species of plant. Visitors can expect to see bamboos, lotuses, native Japanese plants, and a variety of perennial and medicinal plants.

It’s important to note that the garden is a popular tourist destination. As such, it can quickly become crowded, particularly during peak hours and on weekends.

When considering the best time to visit, autumn stands out. This season offers a visual feast as the Uma and Sakura trees display their beautiful foliage. Additionally, flowers such as daisies, Japanese anemones, and dahlias come into bloom, adding to the garden’s charm.

The boat ride on the Hozugawa river is an experience that lasts up to two hours.

It covers a 16-kilometer stretch between the Arashiyama sightseeing area and Kameoka. As you cruise along the river, you’re treated to breathtaking forest scenery. Depending on the season, you might see vibrant colors in spring and fall, lush greenery in summer, or a snowy landscape in winter.

While much of the boat ride is smooth and serene, there are a few rapids that add a touch of excitement and thrill to the journey. The boatmen who accompany the tourists are skilled and knowledgeable. They spontaneously share insights about the river, point out historical spots, and demonstrate techniques for navigating the boat.

This journey is more than just a scenic cruise. It’s an opportunity to learn and appreciate the river’s history and the art of boat steerage.