Admission and Hours

The fee seemed steep at 1,000 yen ($10 USD), but we decided to plop down a few yen and were inside. 1,000 yen might look like a lot for a self-guided walk through an old garden, but it was some of the best money we spent on the trip! The gardens are open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Access

From Kyoto Station, take the Japan Railways (JR) Saiin Line to Saga Arashiyama Station. It is a fifteen-minute walk from there.

History

The Ōkōchi Sansō was once the estate of a famous Japanese actor Okochi Denjiro (1898-1962). He became a star at a young age. But instead of blowing the money on cars, drugs or clothes as young stars do now – he decided to build this monument to Japanese architecture. He built this villa and the gardens as an escape, and it was opened to the public after his death. Now, it offers the public the sense of escape it once offered him.

The buildings within the garden have been recorded as cultural properties by the national government. Most of them were constructed in the 1930s and 40s except for the Jibutsudō, an original structure from the Meiji Era that was moved from its original location to this site after Okochi Denjiro purchased it to save it from destruction.

Chūmon Gate

To set off on the walking tour of the gardens, one only has to follow the signs along the pathway. The thing you’ll pass by is the Chūmon. A Chūmon, or “intermediate gate”, is built to divide the outer and inner tea gardens. It is where the host would meet his guests as he invited them inside for tea. Stepping through the gate is like being welcomed home.

Daijōkaku

After passing through this gate, you come upon the main building in the compound, the Daijōkaku. This is where Denjiro Okochi’s bedroom used to be and where he would spend most of his free time when he wasn’t entertaining in the tea house. The house is known for being one of the best examples of traditional Japanese residential architecture. It combines many styles of Japanese architecture, such as shoin-zukuri and sukiya-zukuri.

Architecture

These architectural styles seem in direct opposition, one for large, opulent houses and the other, meaning literally, “a small space, simple and austere.” The shinden-zukuri was a style of architecture that flourished in the Heian period. These buildings faced south, were comprised of a single story and were raised off the ground with wooden pillars. There was no tatami flooring, and the roof was made with cypress shingles. The sukiya-zukuri architecture uses slender wood elements and the simplicity of ornamentation.

From the front of the Daijōkaku, you have a lovely view of the forest and the mountain to the south. But this view pales compared to the one you get at the top of the garden path. After taking in the view here for a bit, we headed back off on the trail.

Flora and Fauna

The upper portion of the trail shows off the garden’s flora and fauna. The garden was designed to highlight all the different seasons. So no matter when you visit, there is always something stunning. Unlike some gardens where they only have one season of truly spectacular foliage or flowers, this garden can be enjoyed throughout the year. In the spring, we have cherry blossoms, azaleas in the summer, Japanese maple trees for the fall, and pine trees for the winter months. Until this point in the trip, we hadn’t seen many autumn colours since it was fairly early. But here, trees were starting to change colour, and the orange and gold leaves glowed against the crystal blue sky.

The grounds themselves take up about 20,000 square meters, and the guest pathway only shows you a small portion of the villa. One can only imagine what treasures are hidden in this estate. You’ll discover Buddha statues, water features, sculptures hidden in Cyprus trees and rose bushes throughout the stone path.

Hozu River Gorge

At the top of the path, you’ll come to a lookout point where you can see the slopes of Mount Hiei, Mount Arashi and Mount Ogura and the Hozu River gorge. Wandering in the Bamboo forest, you can’t see out to the landscape around you, but from up here, we saw things we never even would have known were there!

Senkaku Senkoji

Hidden in the mountains, you can see a tiny temple poking its head out of the trees. This is the Senkaku Senkoji temple. Its iconic coloured flags make it stand out amongst the green trees.

There is a term in landscape architecture called “borrowed scenery,” which means: “to incorporate the background landscape into the design.” Walking through the winding cobblestones and twisting pathways, you can understand this design as the garden and the forest seem intertwined.

Jibutsudō

The Jibutsudō, with its Irimoya-style roof, is a Buddhist shrine which was moved from its original location to the villa in Arashiyama. Jibutsudōs are buildings from the Meiji Era that were made for rich noblemen to practice Buddism in the comfort of their own homes. A private place of worship.

Chashitsu

Along this path, you’ll also find the original Chashitsu. This small tea room was designed for intimate gatherings with typical tea room features like soft, sliding doors made of wooden lattice covered in translucent Japanese paper, tatami mats and subdued colours.

Moon Light Pavilion

In my opinion, the piece-de-resistance of the whole estate is the Moon Light Pavilion. This open-air building is at the highest point in the garden and gives you the best view of Kyoto, the forest and the mountains. All are framed under a simplistic Japanese gazebo. Sitting here, you’ll feel on top of the world. The landscape below looked like a rainbow from here, orange and yellow trees, green mountains and a bright blue sky.

Tea Room

After the moon pavilion, we headed back down the trail to finish our tour with a cup of tea. Near the exit is a new tea room built to serve tea to all the guests who still visit this site, keeping Okochi Denjiro’s tradition alive. Inside this building, you are seated and served a hot cup of matcha tea and a little sweet treat.

We took a seat towards the back of the room with a view of the bamboo forest behind us. Here, surrounded only by a few other visitors, we had a private viewing of the famous bamboo forests where hundreds of tourists were crammed inside only hours earlier.

The tea itself was a welcome treat. The warm liquid hit the spot on a sunny but chilly, windy day. The matcha is slightly bitter and is purposefully served with the sweet candy cake to balance out the flavour of the tea.

Tea Room Experience

We sat quietly in the tea room for as long as we felt welcome (we honestly could have been forever). I read my guidebook and planned our next destination; Dan changed his phone and relaxed in the silent chatter of the tea room. We listened to other families talking about their travels. Taking a moment to step back and appreciate where we were, what we had done and what adventures were around the corner.

We said “arigato” and bowed deeply to the servers as we left. On the way out, many people approached the gate and turned away once reading the admission price. We shook our heads and smiled at each other as we had just uncovered a secret only we would take away with us. Don’t make the same mistake those people did. Come inside and soak it all in.

Your secret garden awaits.

The post Discovering the Hidden Gem in Arashiyama: A Guide to Kyoto’s Okochi Sanso Garden first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

The Philosopher’s Path (or Tetsugaku-no-Michi as it is known in Japan) is one of the greatest exploratory walks you can experience in Kyoto. The Path is located in the northern area of Higashiyama at the base of Kyoto’s East Mountain. It is a place to wander, to find yourself, to embrace peace and quiet and to see what makes Kyoto so unique as a city. The path follows the Lake Biwa Canal for around 29 kilometres at the base of the mountain. The trail is lined with cherry trees on either side. During the cherry blossom season, this is one of the most popular spots to come and view the spectacle.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Access
3. #1. Ginkaku-ji Temple
4. #2. Hakusasonso Hashimoto Kansetsu Garden & Museum
5. #3. The Flora and Fauna
6. #4. Sagan
7. #5. Dining at Kisaki
8. #6. Honen-in Temple
9. #7. Yojiya Cafe Ginkakuji
10. #8. Spotting Jizo Protectors
11. #9. Anraku-ji Temple
12. #10. Otoyo Shrine
13. #11. Nanzen-ji Temple
14. #12. Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji

History

The canal was first to build during the Meiji period to power Japan’s first power plant. With this power plant came the revitalization of the area due to electric modernization. The path is named after one of Japan’s most famous philosophers, Nishida Kitaro. Nishida Kitaro would come to this area of Kyoto and walk along the river while he practiced his meditations. He would do this every day on his walk to the University where he taught. Now, his practice is immortalized forever and hundreds of people still walk with him in spirit.

Access

The path is so far away from the centre of the city, and being so close the mountains, even the air is fresher up here. All the better for deep thinking and relaxation. Start your journey along the path either early in the evening or late at night. Tourists flock here throughout the day and the tranquil atmosphere is ruined with you have to fight your way down the sidewalk. To get to the first stop on the Philopher’s Path, take the Karasuma Line to Imadegawa Station. From there get on bus 203 to Ginkakuji-michi. From there it’s a short 5 minute walk to the temple.

#1. Ginkaku-ji Temple

To start the Philosopher’s Path, make your way to Ginkaku-ji Temple. Ginkaku-ji or the Silver Pavillion is known for it’s incredibly preserved Higashiyama architecture and its calming zen garden. If you haven’t visited this temple before, this is a great opportunity to do so.

#2. Hakusasonso Hashimoto Kansetsu Garden & Museum

After visiting the temple, you might also consider seeing Hakusasonso Hashimoto Kansetsu Garden & Museum. Hashimoto Kansetsu was a famous Japanese painter who lived and worked in Kyoto during the Showa and Taisho eras. These days you can tour the former home, studio and alluring garden. Admission for adults is 1300 yen but worth it if you’re into Japanese gardens and art.

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#3. The Flora and Fauna

While walking down the canal, take your time as you walk to admire all the different plants along the route. You’ll pass hydrangeas, narcissus, mugwort, bamboo, Japanese maple and if you’re there in the Spring, lots of cherry blossoms. But plants aren’t the only thing that pops up along the way. I saw all sorts of different animal life like ducks, turtles, bush warblers and a stunning grey heron.

Humongous carp and koi also swim up and down the canal and often you’ll see old men and young children sitting on benches beside the water, throwing bread into feed the fish. Dog walkers are pretty common here, so if you’re a puppy lover, wandering this route will result in lots of opportunities to see local dogs off for a walk.

#4. Sagan

Sagan is a small but quaint coffee and snack shop along the route with charming decor and a back patio, perfect for having a coffee early in the morning.

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#5. Dining at Kisaki

Kisaki along the path, sells fresh tofu! If you’re a fan of this dish, there is no better place to try it! It’s fresh and gives you the perfect punch of energy for continuing on the route.

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#6. Honen-in Temple

Standing in from of the moss-covered gate, you’ll find yourself at the doorway to Honen-in Temple. Honen-in was built in 1680 to honour Honen (1133-1212), the founder of the Jodo sect of Buddism.

Honen-in Temple is especially known for their sand sculptures. Giant mounds of sand are created and flattened on top to allow artists to come to draw different patterns into the sand.

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#7. Yojiya Cafe Ginkakuji

If you need something else to snack on or want to take a break along the way, another cafe worth checking out is Yojiya Cafe Ginkakuji. No cafe in the world might have a better view than this, and their matcha lattes are 100x better than anything you’d get at Starbucks or a vending machine.

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#8. Spotting Jizo Protectors

Along the way, don’t be surprised if you see rocks or stones, etched with kanji characters sitting along the side of the path wrapped in fabrics. These are Jizo, protectors of travellers in Buddism. Local women take care of these Jizo, dressing them and keeping them warm. This is thought to endow these women to the gods for their life after death.

#9. Anraku-ji Temple

If you’re travelling along the path during the fall you can’t miss stopping off at the Anraku-ji Temple. Picturesque maple trees and their bright red leaves fall on mass onto the steps of the temple, creating a red carpet-like effect as you walk up the stairs.

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#10. Otoyo Shrine

The Otoyo Shrine is a smaller shrine off the trail. Most shines are protected by lions, dogs or dragons. This shrine is protected by mice. Otoyo Shrine is named after the deity Okuninushi-no-mikoto, the god of marriage. Although mice and marriage might not seem a likely combination, their presence comes from an old Japanese myth. It tales the tale of Okuninushi who met his princess in another world. The princess was put through many trials and almost perished in a fire, but a mouse appeared and told her of a hole in the ground where she could hide until the fire passed and the princess was saved so she could marry Okuninushi.

Mice are also thought to bring health, long life and happiness. People who come to worship here are said to be blessed with the ability to have a healthy baby.

#11. Nanzen-ji Temple

Nanzen-ji Temple is one of the last temples along the route. It was built in 1291 for Emperor Kameyama on the site of his previous palace. The best thing to see here are the Hōjō gardens.

The Hōjō gardens are one of the best examples of “karesansui” gardens in Japan. They mirror the natural forms of their environment, and unlike many European gardens, they are 90 percent gravel. This might seem odd and ugly but the result is a marriage of the natural environment and the man-made arts. Inside the Hōjō you’ll find Japanese screen painting with golden embellishments by Kanō Tan’yū which are considered a National Treasure in Japan.

#12. Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji

The last temple to see along the way is Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji. Eikan-do is one of the most scenic temples in Kyoto with a collection of Amida Buddas which have been painstakingly restored to their original state. The ground of the temple stretch out for acres, and you’ll see stunning zen gardens, architecture from various periods of Japan’s history and even an overlook at the top of the path with a spectacular view over Kyoto.

This last temple concludes the walk through the Philosopher’s Path. Don’t feel the need to stop off at every stop. If something catches your eye, go exploring. If you’d prefer to just walk along the canal and meditate to the flow of the water, make that your experience. The trail offers so many options, so many places to explore. Take the time to make a pilgrimage here and discover when secrets you can uncover along the route.

The post Uncover the Beautiful Hidden Gems of Kyoto: An Exploration of the Famous Philosopher’s Path first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Blind Whino

Blind Whino is one of those locations which I feel like I’ve seen hundreds of time over the years on sites like MyModernMet and BoredPanda. But seeing it in real life, not just online, is something spectacular. The buildings is a renovated church painted with wild and wonderful colours and patterns. Be sure to step inside, many come here simply to take a picture of the exterior and head off but the interior is just as interesting and dynamic. There are often art shows on display so check their website for a list of gallery hours.

700 Delaware Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

GreenWorks Flowers

Walking up to this shop was like walking into a dream. This cotton candy pink florist shop is always decked out for the season. At Christmas, it is dripping with fairy lights and baubles. Halloween is a surprisingly spooky affair. During the rest of the year, the entire exterior is always looking like a secret garden exploding out from the window boxes. I was bummed to see that the interior is pretty much just like any other florist shop and not some wild ‘Alice in Wonderland‘ but the exterior is what you’ll come to see anyways.

3428 O St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the most iconic museums in the world. Walking inside you’re greeted by one of the most important pieces of the collection, the giant African bull elephant. It stands in the middle of the incredible neoclassical domed rotunda. This building was constructed in 1910. And is still to this day one of the best examples of American Beaux-Arts architecture.

10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560

City Center DC

City Center DC is a five-block area of the city which is a collection of apartments and office buildings, but on the ground level, features some of the most exclusive and illustrious brands displayed in picturesque window displays. The main thoroughfare in CityCenter is always decorated for the season or for a particular event. Whether it’s hanging lanterns, rainbow umbrellas or a giant reindeer at Christmas time, the alley along Palmer street is always a favourite among photographers.

825 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

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Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is, in my opinion, the most beautiful building in D.C. The inside is breathtaking and a perfect spot for some fantastic photos. The incredible and grandiose design of the library, now named the Thomas Jefferson Building, was inspired by the Paris Opera House. And it’s artistic and theatrical inspiration can be seen throughout. Inside the grey facade, you’ll be wowed by the multitude of colours painted on the ceiling frescoes and the fascinating sculptures peeking out from behind ornate marble columns.

101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath

Hidden behind the high fashion brands and hipster cafes in Georgetown, there is a natural oasis along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. This canal was once used as a tow path where barges once came to delivery their cargo. On either side of the canal are some of the oldest buildings in Georgetown, providing a beautiful backdrop of the overgrowth and peaceful waterway.

1054 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA

Georgetown’s Candy Coloured Houses

In a cozy, quiet area in Georgetown, there are rows of streets dotted with pastel coloured houses. The shutters and doors are often painted in contrasting colours to make all those little architectural details stand out. I would recommend walking along O Street or N Street, starting at the University and then making your way towards Wisconsin Ave NW. They are not only beautifully painted but also incredibly preserved historical houses and walking this path feels like stepping back in time.

U.S. Botanic Garden

This is the place to come to feel like you’re in the tropics even if it’s blistering cold outside. The U.S. Botanic Garden is constantly changing with different plants in bloom. There is always something blooming or growing depending on the seasons so there’s always something incredible to see. The gardens are divided into various sections based on their temperature, region or what the plants are used for. There is a room dedicated entirely to medicinal plants. And it’s so interesting to see how plants are still used to this very day to help heal people despite all the advances in modern medicine. My favourite room for photos is ‘The Tropics‘ where huge Swiss cheese looking leaves hang from giant trees. And the air tastes almost taste sweet from the constantly growing flora. The glass windows of the greenhouse make for some incredible shots, not to be missed.

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001

The Capitol Building

The Capital Building is one of the most iconic views in Washington, and no matter the weather or time of year, this place is incredibly stunning. It’s round, layered dome atop the pristine white columned building sticks up, high above the other buildings surrounding it. There are so many different viewpoints of the Capital Buildings all over the city but my favourite is down Pennsylvania Avenue.

East Capitol St NE & First St SE, Washington, DC 20004

Lincoln Reflecting Pool

There are so many incredible sights to be seen in the National Mall. But the Reflecting Pool is one of those locations that, day or night, is an awesome site for beautiful pictures which scream, “I’m in Washington!” The reflection of the surrounding trees and monuments, mirrored back at you from the waters is so compelling. And one can really appreciate how something so simple can be something so powerful.

2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20024

Cherry Blossoms around the Waterfront

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a spring celebration in Washington, D.C. The blossoms are usually at their best in mid April. But be sure to check the site for when they’ll be in full bloom as it changes every year. The trees you can see surrounding the Tidal Basin beside the National Mall were gifts from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo City. The banks of the Tidal Basin are one of the best spots to visit as you can not only take pictures of the pale pink blossoms but also have a great opportunity to see the Thomas Jefferson Memorial across the still waters.

1510 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

Kogod Courtyard National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is a great place to see one of the most impressive collections of portraiture in America. But the Kogod Courtyard inside is a great spot for a portrait of your own! The massive courtyard is an architectural masterpiece and a place of serenity in a busy, loud city like Washington.

750 9th St NW #410, Washington, DC 20001, USA

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Capitol Hill Books

Packed to the gills with paperbacks, hardcovers and magazines, Capitol Hill Books is nestled in the historic Eastern Market area. The exterior of the shop’s window, piled high with books, looks like a patchwork quilt and makes for a great snapshot of the kind of adorable shops which Georgetown is so famous for.

657 C St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA

If you’d prefer to explore the city with a tour guide, check out some of these top walking tours!

What are your favourite places to photograph when you’re in the city! Let me know in the comments

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post The Ultimate Guide to the Most Instagrammable Places in Washington DC first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

However, one way in which I love to explore a city, especially for the first time, is through its works of art. Both historical and right up to the modern day. Art teaches us about the culture of the people who made it. What was important to them, what moved them, what inspired them? Even what shaped them.

For a unique perspective on Berlin’s art scene, consider a bespoke art tour with coGalleries Berlin. These tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s cultural landscape, including its trendy art scene, making them a perfect choice for art enthusiasts.

coGalleries Berlin tours combine aspects of a traditional city tour with visits to private galleries and exclusive art collections. This means your guide will be able to introduce you to all the different sights of the city while also allowing you inside otherwise nonpublic spaces like your own personal key to the city. Here, you’ll meet the real artists creating the spectacular art of today and shaping the new face of Berlin’s art world.

Your artist-in-residence will tell you all about their personal journey with their art, show you pieces both in progress and on display, and even let you get a peek into their creative process.

Often, art is very unapproachable for someone who isn’t going to galleries all too often or involved in the industry. But coGalleries aims to make art accessible; it allows you to ask questions, get to know the artists themselves and learn more about what makes the Berlin art scene so exciting and dynamic. You can find out what makes the Berlin art scene so unique compared to others worldwide. Asking questions when travelling is the best way to learn from the people who live there, and these tours truly enable you to have that unique experience.

The tours are completely customizable to each and every client. So, if you’re interested in street art or perhaps a sculpture, you can create a custom itinerary with only what’s important to you. So many tours are cookie-cutter copies of each other, and the guides are nothing more than a walking Wikipedia. These tours are one-of-a-kind and nothing like you’ll experience anywhere else. Walking down the streets of Berlin, the street art which can be seen hidden away in alleys or under bridges tells a certain story of the city and learning what each piece is referring to, especially as an outsider, really allows you to look at it from a different perspective.

There are so many different sculptures to be seen across Berlin, and these tours are a wonderful chance to learn more about the famous sculptures that line the grand thoroughfares and see the emerging sculptors making their own marks on history today.

If you’re ready to embark on a unique art adventure in Berlin, visit cogalleries.com to book your tour today. It’s the perfect way to make your next trip to Berlin truly unforgettable!

*This post was sponsored by Cogalleries, but all opinions are my own.

The post Explore Berlin’s Art Scene: The Ultimate Artistic Gallery Tour first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.