Wander From Home: Enjoy Kyoto’s Picturesque Gardens, Tea, and Gin with Virtual Tours and 360° views
PUBLISHED June 2nd, 2020 06:00 am | UPDATED May 12th, 2023 05:28 am
Spared from large-scale destruction during World War II, Kyoto is Japan’s cultural capital with the temples, shrines, and historical heritage sites still alive in the municipality. In this edition of Wander from Home, explore the picturesque streets of Gion, soak in charming gardenscapes, and indulge in a tipple or two that might or might to be tea-infused with virtual tours and 360° views of Kyoto.
Stroll the streets of Gion
Soak in the traditional atmosphere of Gion with a walking tour, as Kyoto’s most famous geisha district is packed with a variety of theatres, restaurants, and teahouses. Meander down Hanami Lane to explore the traditional architecture of old Japanese machiya (wooden townhouses), and admire the beauty of Yasaka-jinja Shrine, the spiritual heart of Kyoto and sponsor of the city’s biggest annual festival, the Gion Matsuri. As evening approaches, head over to Shijo-dori Street. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko hurrying to their appointments.
Learn more about the Heian period at the Kyoto National Museum
One of Japan’s oldest and most distinguished museums, Kyoto National Museum has been around since 1897. They boast the largest collection of artefacts from the Heian period, including priceless ceramics, calligraphy scrolls, and a gorgeous curation of handcrafted byōbu (Japanese folding screens) with decorative paintings. Not only that, the museum was re-designed in 2014 by famous architect, Taniguchi Yoshio. Take your time to explore the various exhibitions as well as the architecture of the new building here.
Marvel at the torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine
Instantly recognisable from its thousands of vermillion torii gates, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most important out of the many dedicated to the Shinto god of rice. Take a peaceful hike to explore the mountain trails behind the shrine and reach the Yotsutsuji Intersection where many look out at Kyoto’s skyline. Or wander around the shrine buildings – marvel at the giant Romon gate situated at the shrine’s entrance and pay respects to the deities with a small offering. Check out this 360° view of the shrine and its surroundings with this video.
Practice Zazen Meditation at Taizo-in Temple
The centre of Zen Buddhism culture in Japan, Kyoto is full of temples dedicated to practicing the art of Zazen. Zazen is a form of seated meditation and focuses on the study of the self. If you need time to unwind, watch this calming video presented by Daiko Matsuyama, deputy head priest of Taizo-in Temple. After picking up some tips on Zazen meditation, try practicing it to the sights and sounds of the temple’s tranquil surroundings.
Watch sakura trees sway beside a trickling waterfall and listen to raindrops patter in the background of a rock garden. In autumn, the trees along the temple’s pond turn a brilliant red, offering a spectacular view.
Visit a tea farm in Wazuka-cho
Next stop – tea. Kyoto’s tea is widely regarded to be the highest quality in Japan and what better way to experience this than by visiting a tea farm? Kyoto Obubu Tea Farm is located in Wazuka-cho, a small town that produces almost half the tea made in Kyoto. Their virtual tour tells you more about tea-growing techniques, tea production, and the tea culture of Japan. While taking part in a tea ceremony in Kyoto might have to wait, you can purchase tea grown in Kyoto here in Singapore. Make your own comforting cup of Matcha with tea powder from Tsujiri here.
Explore the gardens of Kyoto
Naturally, we cannot leave out the various gardens in Kyoto. Take your pick from dry stone gardens to lush gardens full of greenery here. See Japan’s most famous rock garden at Ryoanji Temple, where 15 mystical rocks seemingly floating in a sea of white sand, or wander the Hojo Garden of Tofuku-ji’s Temple. Redesigned by the scholar Mirei Shigemori, look out for the famous checkerboard pattern along the North garden.
If you’re looking for a more detailed tour, Shokudo’s virtual guide offers an insight into the history behind some of these majestic sites. Hop over to the gardens of Kinkakuji to view the golden pavilion from across the pond and stroll across the ground to catch other sights like the White Snake Pagoda.
Check out The Kyoto Distillery
Kyoto may be famous for its sake and whisky production, but gin is a new foray for many. Small-scale and independent, The Kyoto Distillery is Japan’s first dedicated artisanal gin distillery. Launching Ki No Bi Gin in 2016, the yuzu-centric gin gained fame for its intense and clean flavours. Since then, the distillery has branched out into other traditional Japanese flavours, such as matcha and TOkinawan black sugar. You might not be able to shop at the distillery now, but take a rare peek inside the production area and see how their gin is created here.
Bask in the Wonders of Nature at Arashimaya
No trip to Kyoto is complete without venturing to the outskirts of the city. Located at the edges of Western Kyoto, Arashimaya is a small district home to stunning scenery. Catch a glimpse of Togetsukyo Bridge, the central landmark of the town, with a backdrop of the forested mountainside. Soak in the sights of the Chikurin Bamboo Groves, which fans of the film Memoirs of a Geisha are sure to recognise. Last but not least, enjoy the scene of monkeys playing freely at Kameyama Park. Check out the walking tour of this captivating district here.
Top Image by Vanessa.
