NARA to INUYAMA

Last Sunday we visited Joruri-ji, a small and very old temple east of Nara. It was built in 1107, during the Heian period (794 - 1189) and moved to its present location in 1157. It is the only surviving example of a Buddha Hall from this time and contains nine statues of the Amida Buddha.

The temple itself is set on the west side of a small artificial lake with a three-storied pagoda on the opposite side and an island in the middle. The whole setting is serene, being in a sheltered valley with tall trees all around.

We then went to the dramatically situated Miho museum, which is also in set in a densely forested valley. 

The approach to the museum is via a long curving tunnel through a hill.

This photo shows the entrance building that references Shinto architecture. And you will notice a blaze of autumn red at last.

In Kyoto we visited Nishi Hongwan-ji temple...  

...which has a very large main hall because teaching practitioners is a major focus of Pure Land, one of many sects of Japanese Buddhism.

In the grounds there were a large number of Chrysanthemums on display, including these very beautiful ‘in-curve’ Chrysanthemums. 

I was particularly attracted to this one with petals that were pink on their upper surface and on the outer (under-side) surface a warm beige.

This spidery variety had the longest petals I have ever seen. Who needs mizuhiki (paper strings) if you have this flower?

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Below are two photos I have seen of ikebana in public places.

This in a railway station...

...and this in a museum entrance.

On Thursday we travelled to Inuyama to see the smallest of the five surviving castles of the Tokugawa shogunate period that remain intact in their original form. I really like this castle because its scale is almost domestic. However, I should point out that this really was built as a military installation and not as a residence.

We were somewhat amazed to discover our overnight accommodation was in a new hotel, adjacent to the castle with this view from its central lobby.

Greetings from Christopher

12th November 2023