johnliddlephotography

Ryoanji (the Temple of the Dragon at Peace) is located in the foothills northwest of Kyoto. If visiting, I would recommend travelling on the small train of the Keifuku Kitano Line to enjoy a view of residential life in Kyoto.

Ryoanji is a Zen temple most famous for its karesansui (rock garden), which is said to be the finest garden of its type. The karesansui will be the subject of a later post, though glimpses of the magnificent garden wall can be seen in photos 6 and 7. For this post I simply want to share the beauty of Ryoanji’s other garden areas during autumn, particularly those around the Kyoyochi Pond, built in the 12th century and pre-dating the temple buildings of the late 15^th century.

“I learn only to be contented” is the translation of an inscription on a stone washbasin for Ryoanji’s tea-room (not open to the public). Zen considers those who learn only to be contented to be spiritually rich. My hope here is less ambitious and is simply that you may find contentment in the images.

(Please click on any of the following images for an enlarged view.)

Ryoanji – red maple & still water

Ryoanji – Kyoyochi Pond 1

Ryoanji – duck family on Kyoyochi Pond

Ryoanji red

Ryoanji – courtyard colour

Ryoanji – autumn blaze

Ryoanji – autumn colour over the karesansui

Ryoanji – eye of the dragon

Ryoanji – Kyoyochi Pond 2

Ryoanji – Kyoyochi water lilies and bridge

Ryoanji – autumn fruit

Ryoanji – Kyoyochi Pond 3

Autumn in Japan

November 28, 2013 by johnliddlephotography 5 Comments

Irrashaimase or welcome to my first post. It’s now Autumn in Japan, so it seems right to share some photographs of the seasonal Autumn colours. Science may explain the colour changes as a chemical reaction to trees shutting-off nutrition to the leaves, but I prefer to think of it more simply as nature’s way. To survive the winter it is necessary to shed, but not before putting on a spectacular colour display to awe all who witness it.

To say the Autumn colours are celebrated is an understatement. I was totally unprepared for the number of people of all ages who flock to gardens, parks and temples, particularly at weekends and public holidays, to enjoy the annual visual feast. However, this adds to the experience and demonstrates how integral the seasons are to the Japanese culture and lifestyle. Indeed, one feels some envy that such a natural phenomenon as seasonal change is so appreciated and that community pleasure is derived from such a natural and recurring event. Of course, Japan has the advantage of enjoying four distinct seasons – an advantage not shared by all countries. Nevertheless, there is a lesson to be learned from Japan’s appreciation of nature.

I do have one wish though and that is that the authorities would be less efficient in clearing away the fallen leaves. They make a beautiful carpet and one of life’s little pleasures is walking through a carpet of rustling leaves no matter what age we are. Enjoy!

(Please click on any of the following images for an enlarged view.)